Monday of the Third Week of Advent

By what authority do you do these things?

In this case, Jesus' thing was teaching. But they knew of other things. Like the time he cured 10 lepers, or the time he multiplied the loaves and fishes, or the time he raised the dead son of a widow. There were numerous things underlying their question. He was doing a thing right then - challenging the elders with their own question.

The people of God had been long awaiting their messiah. He was foretold of many times in the Old Testament. In today's reading, Balaam prophesies, I see him, though not now; I behold him, though not near: A star shall advance from Jacob, and a staff shall rise from Israel. Yet, the people did not recognize their visitation. They were blind to it by Jesus' things - so not what they were expecting.

We are in a season of waiting and preparation for the celebration of the birth of the Christ child and Jesus’ second coming. Advent is hardly visible in the midst of Christmas music, shopping, decorating, party plans, etc. So many demands that can blind us or prevent us from spending genuine time with the things of Advent. Can I carve out some precious time to reflect on the gift of our salvific visitation?