Homily - Thursday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time, based on:

📖 Readings:

  • Numbers 20:1–13

  • Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9

  • Matthew 16:13–23 



🔰 Introduction:

There was a man who constantly asked God to speak to him. He said, “Lord, just give me a sign!”
One day, while walking in the veld, he slipped, rolled down a cliff, and caught onto a branch. Dangling, he shouted:
“Is anyone up there?!”
A deep voice answered, “Yes, let go, and trust me.”
The man paused, looked up again and said, “...Is anyone else up there?”

Like the Israelites at Meribah, like Peter in today’s Gospel, we often struggle to trust God’s way — even when we’ve seen His power and love.

🕊 The Word of God:

🪵 Numbers 20:1–13

Moses is under pressure. The people complain — again — about thirst. God tells Moses to speak to the rock.
But Moses, angry and weary, strikes it instead — twice.
Water flows, yes. But Moses’ disobedience shows lack of trust.
God says: “Because you did not trust me enough... you will not bring this assembly into the land.”
Even leaders must obey in faith, not frustration.

🎶 Psalm 95

“Do not harden your hearts as at Meribah...”
The Psalm is a direct reflection on the Numbers passage — a call to listen and trust.
God's voice is still heard today — if we don’t harden our hearts.

🪨 Matthew 16:13–23 

Peter makes a profound confession: “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.”
Jesus responds with a promise: “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church.”
Yet moments later, Peter rebukes Jesus for talking about suffering.
Jesus says: “Get behind me, Satan!”
This shows Peter’s great faith and human weakness in the same breath.
Like Moses, he fails to see that God’s plan may involve suffering — and that trusting God means surrender, not resistance.

🔗 Connection of the Readings:

Both Moses and Peter misstep in moments of pressure.

  • Moses reacts with frustration instead of faithful obedience.

  • Peter reacts with fear instead of accepting God’s difficult path.
    These are not stories of condemnation, but human weakness met by divine mercy.
    In both cases, God continues His work — but reminds us: faith is not only about power; it is about trust, especially when we don’t understand.

❓ Reflection Questions:

  1. When do I find it hardest to trust God’s plan?

  2. How do I respond when God's way is not my way?

  3. Do I let fear, pride, or anger harden my heart like at Meribah?

  4. What is the “rock” in my life — and am I building on it or striking at it?

🧭 Implications for Daily Living — Jubilee & Synodality:

  • The Jubilee Year invites us to rediscover mercy and return to the source of life — like water from the rock.

  • The Synod calls us to listen more deeply, especially when others challenge our expectations.

  • Like Peter and Moses, we are on a journey. We lead others best when we listen to the Lord and not just react to pressure.

  • We must build the Church not on our own emotions, but on the solid rock of Christ and His truth.

✨ Inspiration / Motivation:

Your mistakes don’t disqualify you.
Moses still led the people. Peter still became the first pope.
God doesn’t abandon us when we fall — He calls us deeper.
Grace isn’t for the perfect. It’s for the willing.

💬 Quotes:

“You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church.” — Matthew 16:18

“Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe.” — St Augustine

“God writes straight with crooked lines.” — Portuguese Proverb

💭 Final Thoughts:

We all have moments of anger like Moses or pride like Peter.
But God invites us to listen, to trust, and to follow.
Let’s not strike the rock when we are called to speak in faith.
Let’s not silence Christ when His path challenges our comfort.
Let’s live as Pilgrims of Hope, walking in truth and mercy.

🙏 Concluding Prayer:

Lord God,
You are my rock and my refuge.
When I am tired or afraid, remind me to trust Your Word.
Forgive my moments of doubt and disobedience.
Help me listen with an open heart, and lead with humility.
Like Moses, may I draw life from You.
Like Peter, may I proclaim You — not only with my lips, but with my life.
Build Your Church through my weakness and obedience.
Make me a pilgrim of hope, walking in the joy of Your love.
Amen.

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