Tuesday 4th August – Memorial of St. John Mary Vianney, Priest

WATCH YOUR WORDS!

Numbers 12:1-13

There are times when we get so carried away with the freedom we have to speak that our utterances become so impolite and rude especially when a higher authority is being addressed. Often times these comments are made regarding issues that are absolutely none of our business. We attempt to be judge over what others do, what they are to wear, who they are to talk to or not to talk to; just because the person has permitted us to speak our mind. Mariam and Aaron in today’s reading abused God’s benevolence and spoke ill of the servant of God, Moses who was the mouthpiece of God to the people of Isreal. They were concerned about the Ethiopian woman whom Moses married, rather than accepting that to be the will of God they chose to point fingers. Mariam was duely punished for this act of disrespect to God and his servant.

Are there times that we too, like Aaron and Miriam speak against our priests and other Church leaders? Dear friends, keep in mind that God does not tolerate any act of disrespect to him through his prophets. He calls us today to be cautious and mindful of the words we say to other people most especially his anointed ones, for the scripture says “it is not what goes into a person’s mouth that makes him ritually unclean; rather, what comes out of it makes him unclean.” (Mt 15:11). Let us then be slow to speak and swift to hear. Let us not take God’s benevolence for granted. Whenever we are not clear about any issue, let’s not speak in ignorance rather we should seek better understanding.

PRAYER: Let the words of my mouth and meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight oh lord. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: CCC 2479 – Detraction and calumny destroy the reputation and honour of one’s neighbor. Honour is the social witness given to human dignity, and everyone enjoys a natural right to the honour of his name and reputation and to respect. Thus, detraction and calumny offend against the virtues of justice and charity.

HIDE A TREASURE: “For it is not the man who commends himself that is accepted but the man whom the Lord commends.” 2 Corinthians 10:18 RSV-CE

Today’s readings: Num 12:1-13; Ps 51:3-7.12-13; Mt 15:1-2.10-14