It is 16th December 2019. The readings are from Numbers 24:2-7, 15-17; and the Gospel from Matthew 21:23-27. Truth gives authority and power. Lying people are under the clouds of fear and anxiety. The third week of the Advent is the time to see Him, our saviour and redeemer. We need to recognise His power and authority in our lives. It is not about acquiring power rather admitting the power in others and empowering them. The first reading introduces a great king who lead God’s people. Balaam, who was a non-Jew loved money by using his talents for selfish purposes. When the king of Moabites wanted Balaam to use witchcraft in order to put a curse on Israel by using his prophecy. He tried several times to curse Israel but God did not allow him to do so instead God used him to bless and to prophecy about the Messiah who would come to rule Israel. Even if someone wants to curse us, the Spirit of God can make the person to bless instead. The proximity of the king is much closer and tangible than ever. “I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near — a star shall come out of Jacob, and a sceptre shall rise out of Israel.” (Num.24:17). God empowered Israel by the prophecy of Balaam even though he was hired to curse Israel. Ever shining star is Jesus himself. Let us not hide the light of the star by our muddy and sinful actions. The responsorial Psalm pleads, “Lord, make know your ways.” (Ps.24:4). The Gospel teaches us to acknowledge Jesus as our Saviour. We do not need any astrological or cosmological sign to prove the authority and the power and the influence of Jesus in our lives. Jesus is the Son of God, and God himself even if we refuse to acknowledge, His glorious authority cannot be reduced. God is present closer to us through His Only Beloved Son Jesus. Do we see Him in our faith commitments and in our charitable actions? Refusing to accept the truth cannot reduce the existence of the truth. May the Lord help us to recognise the power of Jesus in our lives. God bless you.