Memorial of Saint John Mary Vianney, priest
He and Aaron assembled the community in front of the rock, where he said to them, "Listen to me, you rebels! Are we to bring water for you out of this rock?" Then, raising his hand, Moses struck the rock twice with his staff, and water gushed out in abundance for the community and their livestock to drink. But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, "Because you were not faithful to me in showing forth my sanctity before the Israelites, you shall not lead this community into the land I will give them." Numbers 20:10-12
From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatly from the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised. Then Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, "God forbid, Lord! No such thing shall ever happen to you." He turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do." Matthew 16:21-23
Piety
Father, take from all my doubts that you know what is good and right for my rebellious nature. Jesus, give to me the living waters that will strengthen me for today's journey so that I am not an obstacle to building your kingdom on earth. Holy Spirit, set me free from my selfish way of thinking in order to think in the loving, selfless ways of the Lord. Amen.
Father, take from all my doubts that you know what is good and right for my rebellious nature. Jesus, give to me the living waters that will strengthen me for today's journey so that I am not an obstacle to building your kingdom on earth. Holy Spirit, set me free from my selfish way of thinking in order to think in the loving, selfless ways of the Lord. Amen.
Study
In Moses and Peter, we get a glimpse of the difficulty of putting faith into action as a leader. Moses was challenged by his people in the deserts. While he brought forth the living waters from the rocks at Meribah, he did not do so with the confidence of a leader. The notes from the New American Bible explain that "the sin of Moses and Aaron consisted in doubting God's mercy toward the ever-rebellious people."
Peter also had doubts. Even though he proclaimed Jesus as the Son of God, Peter refused to accept the preaching of the passion, crucifixion and death of the Lord.
Action
What are you holding on to that makes you waver in your faith journey? What desert has the Lord led you into which you must overcome?
Can you set aside your doubts in order to overcome the obstacles placed in your path? Today, try to leave behind one doubt that will make the next step in your journey lighter.
