December 16, 2019 Monday of the Third Week of Advent-A

Numbers 24:2-7, 15-17

Psalm 25

Matthew 21:23-27

A star shall advance from Jacob… Num. 24:17

He guides the humble to justice, he teaches the humble his ways. Ps. 25:9

Lord, you exposed the blindness of the religious leaders in the temple that day.  Because you challenged their authority as a teacher they closed their hearts and minds to your message.  But the people hung on your every word.  You and John the Baptist came with authority from God the most high.  Even the pagan prophet Balaam could be open to the guidance of God.  Lord, I welcome your authority over my life.  With your grace I can embrace your ways over my ways.  Even when I cannot completely see the “why” or the “how” of your plan, I surrender to it.  This Advent I want to unite my heart and my mind to you in such a way that I hear what you want to say to me.  I want to see your presence in every person, situation or event of my day.   Speak with authority to me so I can rely on you as I make choices.  Strip me of pride and give me a humble heart so I can receive all you want to give me.  Jesus let my actions reflect your loving authority in my life.  Amen.