Advent is also a season of awe and marvel because our eyes are opened to see the fulfillment of the many incidents and prophecies of the prophets that point to the imminent coming of Christ. From the book of Numbers, we read King Balak had hired Balaam, a prophet, to put curse on Israel. However, the Spirit of the Lord came on Balaam and out of his mouth were words of blessings. He became a prophet “who hears the words of God, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who falls prostrate, and whose eyes are opened.”Instead of cursing, he extols the glory of God over the tents of Jacob.

When Jesus’ teaching authority was questioned by the chief priests and the elders of the people, He turned the questions on them, “Did the baptism of John come from heaven, r was it of human origin?” This baffled His interrogators to find an answer to the listening crowds. We too are not exempt from responding to Jesus’ question to deepen our conviction that God blesses and not condemns. The origin of any divine authority is testified by the good fruit that results in converting people’s moral life and empowering them to reject exploitation.

Perhaps with our reflective questions we are able to make people open their eyes to see everything is prepared for them to give thanks to God. For God’s nature is to bless.