The Ungrateful Attitude

Reflection on Today's Readings, Monday of 18th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1, August 2nd, 2021
It is easy to blame the Hebrews for complaining but putting ourselves in their shoes we may likely be soft with them. The reading shows that the people actually lost appetite for the manna. This is clear in the fact that all the people were crying. It is said, "Moses heard the people weeping throughout their families, every man at the door of his tent". When there is no appetite for a kind of food, eating such food gives no pleasure and it becomes boring eating it. Perhaps, they might have complained to Moses several times before the dramatic outcry. They must have been really tired of the food. This reminds us that human nature detest monotony. God has made us so.
God could have not been angry with them because they complained about the food. It is human to be tired of something and to complain about it. The problem with the people was their ungrateful attitude; they did not value the freedom and salvation granted to them by God. They kept telling God that they were better in Egypt. Each time they rubbed it on God's face that they did not appreciate His initiative to save them from Egypt. Their complaint showed that they saw God as never good enough for them. Their complaint was not about the food but about God’s initiative to save them. They said, "O that we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we ate in Egypt for nothing, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic; but now our strength is dried up, and there is nothing at all but this manna to look at.”  In those words they slighted God. Hence, it is said, "and the anger of the Lord blazed hotly, and Moses was displeased."
Today's gospel reading shows that we do not even need to complain before God knows our suffering, troubles and distress. The people who were with Jesus Christ did not tell Jesus that they needed food but Jesus knew they needed food. Jesus healed their sick and fed them with food. God knows our suffering, troubles and distress without complaining.

We are reminded today to learn how to give thanks in all circumstances. We are to thanks God for all His blessings and graces. St. Paul says, "and for all things give thanks; this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus " (1Thes. 5:18). Appreciation opens door for more favour. We should always be patient with God and be aware that He has the best plan for us.

Lord our God, help us to always cultivate the habit of showing gratitude.  Amen. 

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke