Don’t Mess with the Chosen Ones – Aug 04 – Homily – Fr Terrance

 

Fr Terrance gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Aug 04, 2025, where he explores Moses’ struggles with the Israelites’ self-centered complaints, highlighting God’s defense of His faithful servant in Numbers 11:4-15 and 12:6-8.

Father delves into the humanity of the Israelites and Moses as depicted in the Book of Numbers, focusing on their struggles in the desert. He highlights the Israelites’ complaints about their misfortunes, as seen in Numbers 11:4-6, where the “rabble” among them craves the foods of Egypt, conveniently forgetting the slavery and suffering they endured there. This self-centered, pleasure-driven mindset leads to God’s anger and punishment, yet Moses intercedes, securing reprieve for the people. Father notes God’s declaration in Numbers 32:11 that those who failed to follow Him wholly would not see the Promised Land, except for Caleb and Joshua. Moses’ own frustration is evident in Numbers 11:11-15, where he pleads with God to relieve him of the burden of leading the complaining Israelites, yet his faith remains unshaken. In Numbers 12:6-8, Father emphasizes God’s defense of Moses against Miriam and Aaron’s criticism, affirming Moses’ unique relationship with Him, speaking “mouth to mouth.” Miriam’s temporary leprosy, healed through Moses’ prayer, underscores his role as God’s vicar. Father draws parallels to modern times, urging prayers for sinners to abandon selfishness and for Church leaders, likened to “Moseses,” to be strengthened in their mission. He concludes by invoking Our Lady’s intercession and warns against challenging God’s chosen, including the Pope, reinforcing the call to humility and fidelity.

For Further Reading

Numbers 11:4-6 - NAB - Israelites’ complaints in the desert - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/numbers/11?4
Numbers 32:11 - NAB - God’s judgment on the unfaithful - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/numbers/32?11
Numbers 11:11-15 - NAB - Moses’ frustration with the people - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/numbers/11?11
Numbers 12:6-8 - NAB - God defends Moses’ authority - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/numbers/12?6
Catechism of the Catholic Church #2577 - Moses’ intimacy with God -  http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p4s1c1a1.htm#2577
Catechism of the Catholic Church #1539 - God’s chosen leaders - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p2s2c3a6.htm#1539
Catechism of the Catholic Church #696 - God’s judgment and mercy - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p1s2c3a8.htm#696

00:00 - Introduction to Numbers
00:45 - Israelites’ selfish complaints
02:00 - Moses’ faithful intercession
03:15 - Rabble’s misguided cravings
04:30 - Moses’ burden expressed
05:45 - God defends Moses
07:00 - Moses’ vicar role
08:15 - Pray for Church
Ave Maria!

Mass: St. Jean Vianney (the Cur? of Ars) - Mem - http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=3946
Readings: Monday 18th Week of Ordinary Time - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/080425.cfm
1st: num 11:4-15
Resp: psa 81:12-17
Gsp: mat 14:13-21

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1123&r=1462

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