Believe in action

The texts today from the Roman Catholic Lectionary can be appreciated in the light of the prayer of the psalmist that today we would listen to His voice and not harden our hearts as at Meribah and Massah. The episode described in the Book of Numbers tells of the ingratitude of the Israelites who followed Moses to freedom from Egypt through the intervention of the mighty hand of God. In response to their complaints of dying of thirst, God instructs Moses to speak to a rock in the Name of God. The action of Moses to strike the rock twice is explained by Friar Jude Winkler as a sign that he doubted the Providence of God. Many commentators have expressed opinions on the nature of Moses “rebellion” and the apparent severity of the punishment. Christian prayer reminds us of the hardness of heart which is damaging to our relationship with God. The name Massah means testing, and the name Meribah means quarreling. The important decision of followers of Christ is presented in the passage from the Gospel of Matthew. Here Peter responds to Jesus question about His identity with the declaration that he is the “Messiah, Son of the Living God”. Jesus declares that this profession of faith is the gift of the Father to Peter. This is the question for all followers of Christ. The consequence of testing, quarreling, and doubt over the answer given by Peter will be far more severe to our lives than the punishment of Moses. We open our minds and soften our hearts to join the faithful in praise of God.