First Reading: (Numbers 24:2-7, 15-17a)
Responsorial Psalm: (Psalm 25:4-5ab, 6-7bc, 8-9)
R. Teach me your ways, O Lord.
Alleluia: (Psalm 85:8)
Alleluia! Show us, Lord, your steadfast love, and grant us your salvation.
Gospel: (Matthew 21:23-27)
Reflection
Today’s readings invite us into deeper spiritual awareness and honest conversion.
In the first reading, Balaam, originally a foreign prophet not called to Israel, is overtaken by the Spirit of God and speaks blessings over Israel. His words unexpectedly become a vision of hope: the tents of Jacob are beautiful, and a star will rise out of Israel, a prophecy Christians see fulfilled in Christ, the true Light and King.
This tells us that God’s revelation is not contained by human expectations. God can work through anyone whose heart is open. Like Balaam, we are called to be persons whose eyes are open to God’s movement, especially where we least expect it.
The Psalmist responds: “Teach me your ways, O LORD.”
This is more than a mental request, it’s a plea for conversion of the heart. We pray not just to know God’s paths, but to walk them humbly, relying on His mercy, especially when our sin obscures our vision.
In the Gospel, the religious leaders demand to know by what authority Jesus speaks and acts. But their hearts were closed by fear of the crowd and by pride. They fail to recognize the true authority of God incarnate in Christ.
Their question becomes ours:
Do we seek Christ on our own terms, demanding proof?
Or do we, like Balaam, let God open our eyes, even when He comes in unexpected ways?
In Advent, we prepare not only for the birth of Christ at Christmas but for His coming into our daily lives. Today’s readings encourage us to:
Ask the Holy Spirit to open our eyes to God’s presence.
Seek God’s pathways with humility and trust.
Recognize Christ’s authority in Scripture, Sacraments, and in the humble workings of our hearts.
Amen 🙏
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