Memorial of Saint John of the Cross, priest and doctor of the Church
When the spirit of the Lord comes upon us, then we see what we must proclaim. In our first reading from Numbers, the one prophesying and blessing Israel is in fact acting against orders. The speaker, Balaam is not an Israelite like Moses or Aaron. He was a prophet, nevertheless who listened to the Lord. So, when he was summoned by the leader Balak to curse the Israelites, he refused. When Balak insisted, Balaam said he would do what the Lord told him to do. Two times Balaam then blessed the Israelites, much to the chagrin of Balak. So, a third time, Balak asked him for a curse, and the reply is what we hear today: “the spirit of God came upon him, and he gave voice to his oracle:…How goodly are your tents, O Jacob; your encampments, O Israel!” (Num 24:2,5) This is what the Lord does. Amidst those who would demand curses, He guides us to bless. (cp 1 Cor 4:12) This One who guides us to see others as worthy of blessing, this is the One who reveals Himself to us, the One who is coming. Thus Balaam was again inspired and proclaimed, “I see him, though not now; I behold him, though not near: A star shall advance from Jacob,…” (Num 24:17) Today we pray to the Lord who casts “light on the darkness of our hearts” to “visit us with the grace of your Son.” Let us be open to that light of Christ to illumine us to see not only Him as the source of every blessing who comes so near to us, but also to see all others in His light, and to see Him making them worthy of His blessing.