Memorial of Saint John Vianney, Priest
What draws you away from being the person God made you to be?
In our first reading, we see Aaron and Miriam drawn away by jealousy. ‘Does God only speak to our brother Moses?’ they say! So they make up a reason to talk badly about him- that terribly wife of his! They go around talking badly about him until God decides to defend Moses, because the meek man won’t defend himself.
In our second reading, we see Peter drawn away by a preoccupation with a windstorm. Jesus is there with them, and Peter is walking on water…then he remembers that’s impossible, and by the way, even the boat is having trouble in this storm… so he starts sinking.
We each have our own vices, and we all have our God who wants to heal our vice. How is God leading you away from the sickness of sin, and into the wellness of a holy life?
God set Miriam up with a quick case of Leprosy and a week of Timeout. Hopefully you and I won’t need such a harsh lesson! It’s beautiful to see how this plays out. First, God wants to have a word with them. They don’t just get punished from a distance. God speaks with them. Then Aaron, seeing his wife’s condition, immediately apologizes and begs for mercy. Moses responds by praying for his enemy’s healing. Can we do that? Look our enemy in the eye, tell them why we’re upset, and pray that they don’t get what they deserve! That’s holiness.
A few thousand years later, Peter finds faith hard to come by, even with the Son of God levitating nearby! Next time you find it hard to believe that God is more powerful than the dangers around you, go easy on yourself. Jesus gets it. He watched Peter, and after letting him sink just a little, Jesus reaches out a hand and pulls him up.
What is your vice lately? How is God healing you? What is your response? You see, our choices are not what makes God help us out. God already wants to help you. God wants to heal you. God wants to increase your faith. Call out as Peter did, “Save me!” Our Loving Father will surely make you whole again.
- Chris Nieport