Memorial of St. Alphonsus Ligouri, bishop and doctor of the Church
(Number 11:4b-15; Matthew 14:2-36)
Parish priests notoriously complain like Moses in the first reading today. They feel oppressed by an unrelenting round of meetings, appointments, responsibilities, and requests. But certainly pastors are not the only people stressed out in society. Often parents are torn between home, school, work, family, and community.
Moses’ appeal to the Lord demonstrates a lively relationship. He shows little reservation about telling God how overburdened he feels. On the brink of despair, he even mentions that death would be preferable to being badgered by so many requests. God will answer Moses’ plea. In part advice is given on how to administer the people more proficiently. Also, God will intervene more directly to aid his worthy friend.
We should confront stress in our lives on varied fronts. We need to prioritize our responsibilities so that we give our best time to what is most important. We need to make sure that we eat intelligently, exercise vigorously, and rest sufficiently. Most importantly, we, like Moses here, should unabashedly appeal to God for assistance.
