Numbers 20:1-13 / Matthew 16:13-23
St. John Vianney was quoted as saying this: Here is a rule for everyday life – Do not do anything which you cannot offer to God.
That is truly a wise quote for the spiritual life.
Whatever we do should be for the glory of God and for the good of others.
But often, we get swayed about our own weaknesses and failings.
In the 1st reading, Moses and Aaron were instructed by God to take a branch and strike the rock.
Water will then flow out from the rock and provide drink for the community and their cattle.
Moses and Aaron did as God instructed but their anger and resentment against the people made them say this:
Listen now you rebels. Shall we make water gush from this rock for you?
Because of what Moses and Aaron did, the people felt the human anger and resentment instead of the holiness and graciousness of God.
In the gospel, Jesus gave Peter the authority of the keys of the Kingdom of heaven.
But soon after, Peter with his human ideas tried to remonstrate.
Jesus rebuked Peter sharply: Get behind me Satan! You are an obstacle in my path, because the way you think is not God’s way but man’s.
Let us always think about what we want to do and say, and ask ourselves if it is pleasing to God.
May what we do and say not be out of our human desires, but for the glory of God and for the good of others.