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Tuesday, August 4, 2009, St. John Mary Vianney
Numbers 12:1-13, Psalm 51:3-7, 12-13, Matthew 14:22-36
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/080409.shtml
SIBLING RIVALRY
"Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses." —Numbers 12:1
Miriam and Aaron circulated amongst the Israelites encamped in the desert,
and spoke to them against Moses, their own blood brother! To get welcomed
into each Israelite tent, they used as their opening line a complaint that
Moses married a foreigner, their own sister-in-law. However, their main
problem was jealousy. Little brother Moses, by far the meekest man on
earth (Nm 12:3), had been elevated by God to a status above his older
siblings.
Jesus Himself was accused by His brother Jews, whose leaders handed Him
over to the Romans out of jealousy (Mt 27:18). Jesus warned us not to be
surprised if our own siblings turn us in for being His follower (Mt 10:21,
36).
In the New Covenant, we are all brothers and sisters in Christ, members of
the family of God (1 Cor 12:13; Mk 3:35). The early Church, though not
without problems, understood well that they must never be jealous of their
leaders, because that leader was a brother in Christ. Throughout the
Gospels and Acts, Peter's place of leadership is affirmed and supported,
and never undermined — even though all were keenly aware of Peter's
failings. Even in the Old Testament, David would not be jealous of or harm
King Saul, his archenemy, for he would not attack the Lord's anointed
leader (1 Sm 24:7).
How often do we by our attitudes, speech, body language, and actions
undermine our parish leaders or our parish priest? Repent of jealousy and
a lack of faith. Repent of having more faith in your ability to manipulate
your leaders than you have in God's ability to deal with His chosen
leaders.
Prayer: Father, may disciples act in such a way that Church leaders will
fulfill their task with joy rather than sorrow (Heb 13:17).
Promise: "It is I. Do not be afraid!" —Mt 14:27
Praise: In his meekness, St. John was used by God in miraculous and
life-changing ways. He spent dozens of hours weekly reconciling God and
man, just as Jesus did.
(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my
permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from
August 1, 2009 through September 30, 2009
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, February 11, 2009
The rescript is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be
free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have
granted ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or
statements expressed.
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