Daily Catholic Mass Readings for December 16, 2024
First Reading: Numbers 24.2-7, 15-17a
2And Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw Israel abiding in his tents according to their tribes; and the spirit of God came upon him.3And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said:4He hath said, which heard the words of God, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open:5How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob, and thy tabernacles, O Israel!6As the valleys are they spread forth, as gardens by the river's side, as the trees of lign aloes which the LORD hath planted, and as cedar trees beside the waters.7He shall pour the water out of his buckets, and his seed shall be in many waters, and his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted.15And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said:16He hath said, which heard the words of God, and knew the knowledge of the most High, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open:17I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.
Psalm 25
1Unto thee, O LORD, do I lift up my soul.2O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.3Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause.4Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.5Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.6Remember, O LORD, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old.7Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness' sake, O LORD.8Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way.9The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.10All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.11For thy name's sake, O LORD, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great.12What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose.13His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth.14The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.15Mine eyes are ever toward the LORD; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net.16Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted.17The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my distresses.18Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins.19Consider mine enemies; for they are many; and they hate me with cruel hatred.20O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee.21Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.22Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles.
Gospel: Matthew 21.23-27
23And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?24And Jesus answered and said unto them, I also will ask you one thing, which if ye tell me, I in like wise will tell you by what authority I do these things.25The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him?26But if we shall say, Of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet.27And they answered Jesus, and said, We cannot tell. And he said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on the nature of authority, truth, and integrity. The first reading from Numbers presents us with the figure of Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet who, despite being commissioned to curse Israel, finds himself compelled by God to bless them instead. His vision of Israel’s beauty and future glory underscores God’s sovereignty and the ultimate triumph of His people. The Gospel reading shifts our focus to Jesus in the temple, where religious leaders challenge His authority. Jesus, in turn, questions them about the origin of John the Baptist’s authority, leaving them trapped by their own hypocrisy and fear of the crowd. His response highlights the tension between human authority and divine truth.
The connection between these readings lies in their exploration of authority and its sources. Balaam, though an outsider, becomes a vessel for God’s truth, while Jesus confronts the religious leaders’ attempt to assert their own authority over Him. Both stories remind us that true authority comes not from human power or consensus but from God. Balaam’s prophecy and Jesus’ teaching reveal that those who speak on behalf of God must do so with integrity, even when it challenges the status quo.
In our daily lives, these readings call us to examine where we ground our own authority and truth. Are we like Balaam, willing to let God’s Spirit guide us even when it goes against our intentions? Or are we like the religious leaders, more concerned with maintaining power and approval? Let us seek to align our wills with God’s, trusting in His plan and speaking the truth with courage and humility. May we, like Balaam, gaze upon the beauty of God’s people and, like Jesus, stand firm in our commitment to His truth, even when the world questions our authority.