NUMBERS 12:1-13; PSALM 51; MATTHEW 14:22-36
In the first reading, Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses in connection with the Cushite woman he had taken and they were also jealous of him because God was speaking through Moses. The Lord reprimanded them but they kept on speaking ill of Moses. Eventually Miriam was afflicted with leprosy while Aaron asked for God’s forgiveness. Oftentimes we are not different from Miriam and Aaron. We must be careful the way we destroy others because of envy. Envy is a deadly evil force: whoever possesses it can kill. If they don’t succeed in killing you physically, they kill your character (Character assassination through gossips and lies).
Envy is the feeling of the displeasure produced by witnessing or hearing of the advantage or prosperity of others. Envy stems from self image problems, fear and a strong desire to depose others or feel superior to others. It is not easy to detect those who possess this deadly spirit because they exist within our friends, relations, political friends and working colleagues. The Bible confirms this in Jer.17:9-10 when it says “The heart of man is deceitful and desperately wicked, who can know it? I the Lord search the heart and reward every man according to his or her deeds” We may not know them because of their deceptive behaviors but God knows them and rewards them just as Miriam was rewarded.
In all this Moses kept his vision of God; he remained focused the same is expected of us when we are faced with those who want to run us down. Moses further proved his innocence when he asked God to forgive Miriam. Beloved, situations should not change your position in Christ. Peter in the Gospel reading could walk on the sea when Jesus asked him to come on the sea. But when he became conscious of his situation around him he doubted and started sinking. Beloved, remain focused irrespective of the situation.
LET US PRAY
Father, please give me your grace to adequately utilize my tongue. Let my words be seasoned with grace and bless other people. Also, let my speech motivate people to move closer to you in Jesus name. Amen
