John of the Cross, Priest, Doctor Obligatory Memorial
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 25: 4-5ab, 6 and 7bc, 8-9
Alleluia: Psalms 85: 8
Gospel: Matthew 21: 23-27
First Reading: Numbers 24: 2-7, 15-17
2 And lifting up his eyes, he saw Israel abiding in their tents by their tribes: and the spirit of God rushing upon him,
3 He took up his parable and said: Balaam the son of Beor hath said: The man hath said, whose eye ire stopped up:
4 The hearer of the words of God hath said, he that hath beheld the vision of the Almighty, he that falleth, and so his eyes are opened:
5 How beautiful are thy tabernacles, O Jacob, and thy tents, O Israel!
6 As woody valleys, as watered gardens near the rivers, as tabernacles which the Lord hath pitched, as cedars by the waterside.
7 Water shall flow out of his bucket, and his seed shall be in many waters. For Agag his king shall be removed, and his kingdom shall be taken awry.
15 Therefore taking up his parable, again he said: Balaam the son of Beor hath said: The man whose eye is stopped up, hath said:
16 The hearer of the words of God hath said, who knoweth the doctrine of the Highest, and seeth the visions of the Almighty, who falling hath his eyes opened:
17 I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not near. A STAR SHALL RISE out of Jacob and a sceptre shall spring up from Israel.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 25: 4-5ab, 6 and 7bc, 8-9
R. (4) Teach me your ways, O Lord.
4 Let all them be confounded that act unjust things without cause. shew, O Lord, thy ways to me, and teach me thy paths.
5ab Direct me in thy truth, and teach me; for thou art God my Saviour.
R. Teach me your ways, O Lord.
6 Remember, O Lord, thy bowels of compassion; and thy mercies that are from the beginning of the world.
7bc According to thy mercy remember thou me: for thy goodness’ sake, O Lord.
R. Teach me your ways, O Lord.
8 The Lord is sweet and righteous: therefore he will give a law to sinners in the way.
9 He will guide the mild in judgment: he will teach the meek his ways.
R. Teach me your ways, O Lord.
Alleluia: Psalms 85: 8
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
8 Show us, LORD, your love, and grant us your salvation.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel: Matthew 21: 23-27
23 And when he was come into the temple, there came to him, as he was teaching, the chief priests and ancients of the people, saying: By what authority dost thou these things? and who hath given thee this authority?
24 Jesus answering, said to them: I also will ask you one word, which if you shall tell me, I will also tell you by what authority I do these things.
25 The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven or from men? But they thought within themselves, saying:
26 If we shall say, from heaven, he will say to us: Why then did you not believe him? But if we shall say, from men, we are afraid of the multitude: for all held John as a prophet.
27 And answering Jesus, they said: We know not. He also said to them: Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things.
Reflection
Balaam is given eyes to see what others might miss: God’s blessing resting upon Israel and a star destined to rise from Jacob. His vision comes as he falls before the mystery of God, and then his eyes are opened. The psalm gives words to the same posture: “Teach me your ways, O Lord.” Truth is received by the person who allows God to guide him.
In the Gospel, the chief priests and elders stand before Jesus and ask about his authority. Their answer reveals less a search for truth than a desire to protect themselves. They calculate what to say, and finally hide behind “We do not know.” Jesus exposes the difference between humble discernment and evasive questioning. God’s mercy and salvation are offered, yet they require an honest heart willing to follow where truth leads. When Scripture challenges our judgments, we can ask for the meekness described in the psalm: a spirit ready to learn, repent, and obey. Christ’s authority does not need to be manipulated into our approval; it calls us to open our eyes and let God’s ways direct our lives.
Prayer
Lord God, teach me your ways and guide me in your truth. Open my eyes to recognize your work, especially when it challenges my plans or exposes my hesitation. Save me from the fear and self-protection that make the truth difficult to acknowledge. Through Jesus, whose authority brings mercy and salvation, give me a humble and teachable heart. Help me to listen honestly, repent when I am wrong, and follow your direction with quiet courage. May your love become clearer in my choices, and may my life receive the light you cause to rise among your people. Amen.
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