Numbers 24:2-7, 15-17 / Matthew 21:23-27
Respect cannot be demanded. Respect is always earned.
Similarly, when it comes to authority, the one who does not have it cannot demand for it.
And the one who has authority would not flaunt it.
In the 1st reading, the pagan prophet Balaam was bribed by the enemies of Israel to put a curse on them.
But he couldn’t do it as his authority is only valid for what God wants him to do.
So instead of cursing Israel, Balaam ended up blessing Israel.
In the gospel, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to Jesus and they questioned His authority.
But their question revealed their silent acknowledgement of the authority of Jesus.
Furthermore, they also cannot answer the question from Jesus about the authority of John the Baptist.
The God that we believe in has absolute authority over all creation and over us as His people.
May we always do what is right, just and loving, and others will see the power of the love of God in us.