HOMILY FOR MONDAY OF THE 3RD WEEK OF ADVENT

Homily for Monday of the 3rd week of Advent

Number 24:2-7, 15-17; Matthew 21:23-27 

In the first reading of today, we are told that while the Israelites were en route to the promised land, at Moab, Balak, the king of the Moabites, sent Balaam, a pagan diviner, to curse them. However,  instead of laying a curse on them, Balaam blessed them. 

Balaam declared: "How fair are your tents, O Jacob, your encampments, Israel! Like palm groves that stretch far away, like gardens beside a river, like aloes that the Lord had planted, like cedar trees beside the waters. Water shall flow from his buckets, and his seeds shall have abundant water, his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted" (Num 24:5-7). "A star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel" (Num 24:17).

The church fathers have interpreted this passage as a messianic prophecy, considering the Davidic origin and scepter which signals authority and power. Hence,  Jesus has all authority and power both in heaven and on earth. 

Dearest brothers and sisters in Christ, it is no news that the church is surrounded by varied enemies to curse and destroy her as she journeys to her heavenly homeland. However,  the truth is that God will never allow their evil intentions to come to pass rather they will be instruments of blessing in the hands of God upon the church. Hence, as pilgrims enroute to our heavenly homeland, in this season of Advent, let us keep fixed on the coming of our saviour, whose coming will bring us heavenly blessings amidst the negativities of the world, hurled against God's people. 

In the Gospel reading of today, the chief priests and elders queried the authority by which Jesus performs these good works. It declared: "And when he entered the temple, the chief priest and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching and said, 'By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority" (Mt 21:23).

There is no doubt that Jesus had power and authority. Nicodemus also acknowledged this authority. He said: " No one can do these signs that you do without the authority of God" (Jn 3:1-2).

In the narrative, it is obvious that the obstinacy and disaffection for the truth by the chief priests and elders, prompted them to give the answer "we do not know" in response to the question of Jesus. Jesus asked them: "The baptism of John, did it come from heaven, or was it of human origin? (Mt 21:24-25).  Notwithstanding, their knowledge of the truth as Chief priest and elders, they denied the truth about the baptism of John.

Dear friends in Christ, how open are we to the truth? Do we prioritise the truth or witness to the truth even when it does not align with our sentimental ambition? How often do we submit to the truth even in public places?

Beloved in Christ, like Jesus we also need the power and authority of God to function graciously in our ecclesiatical duties and responsibilities. Through the influence of the power and authority of God, we can by our deeds stand up for the truth in all situations of life. 

We pray this day that the blessings of God Almighty will abide with us to make incessantly ministers of the truth before all. 

Have a blessed day

Fr Remi Osj