It is uncharitable to speak ill of a person, especially behind his/her back. However, this does not mean that when a person does what is wrong, we should remain silent. As Christians, it is our responsibility to correct sinners with love. In the first reading of today, Aaron and Miriam spoke ill of Moses because he had married a Cushite woman. Thus, the Lord was angry with them for trying to tarnish the image of his servant Moses. It is possible that what Moses did was offensive to the sensitivity of the people, but that they chose to gossip rather than to address Moses directly, counted as an offense against them. Sometimes, it may appear difficult to meet our religious leaders and seek clarification on some of their actions. However, we must know that religious men and women are human beings too who are susceptible to mistakes. Hence, we must refrain from gossiping and assassinating their characters in public, lest we incur the wrath of God.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, help me to speak of the glory of your name and to proclaim it abroad like St. Dominic. Amen