Akhsi Wary csc –
Readings: Num 24: 2-7,15-17; Mt 21: 23-27
We are in the third week of Advent season, a time for preparing ourselves for the Saviour and witnessing and receiving his coming.
Today, we hear in the first reading the prophecy of Balaam, who speaks of a king, who would rule the world and give justice to God’s people. “A star will come out of Jacob, and a sceptre shall rise out of Israel”. Truly, the coming Messiah is that Star, who would help us to overcome all our problems and difficulties through his death and resurrection for the sake of humanity.
Today’s gospel passage asks us not to be frightened of what people will think of us and encourages to speak the truth and to be honest always. The Chief priests in the gospel were frightened of the people, what will people think, if they answer inappropriately. They were more concerned with what people might think of them than speaking the truth and giving an honest answer. “Just be yourself”. We are very much familiar with this sentence. It is pleasant to hear but difficult to practice. The world today is very much alluring and enticing. Always tries to turn us into something we are not meant to be. There is too much of artificiality and so difficult to identify genuineness.
Therefore, today’s gospel reminds us to be like Jesus, discerning and courageous, always concerned about speaking the truth. He stayed connected with the Father and allowed his will to prevail upon him. Indeed, Jesus was the person who spoke the truth when others denied. He heard the truth when others refused to hear. He practiced the truth in his day to day living. So, we as his followers, who have received his spirit are expected to live a life without compromising the truth.