The humble are taught

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to contemplate the events in our lives that are presenting the Presence of Christ to us. The reading from the Book of Numbers is Balaam’s Oracle concerning the action of God toward Israel. Psalm 25 is a lament that urges our humility in relationship with God. In the Gospel of Matthew the authority of Jesus is questioned by the chief priests and elders. Mark Latta considers the question “by whose authority?” an interesting question for sure. This ultimately is a question that each of us must ask. Did Jesus do what he did based on the authority of God, as God's Son? Or was Jesus just another prophet or even a crackpot Messiah? Don Schwager quotes “John the Baptist's authority came from heaven,” by Hilary of Poitiers (315-367 AD). The Word Among Us Meditation on Matthew 21:23-27 asks that unlike the elders in Jerusalem, we already know who Jesus is. What could this passage have to say to us? Friar Jude Winkler comments on how the curse Balaam was to place on the Israelites becomes a blessing. The Gospel is an example of Jesus cleverness. Friar Jude reminds us of our call to know how to proclaim Jesus when needed. Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, comments that when we’ve experienced higher states of love and transformation, we must go back and rectify earlier wrongs in appropriate ways to support the healing of those we have hurt. God forgives us, but the consequences of our mistakes remain. We must repair what has been broken, or we stay stuck in a wounded world. The grace of humility opens the heart to see Love and react with Jesus eyes to events in our lives.