The First Reading features the strange character of Balaam. As a prophet, but not an Israelite, he claimed to be a visionary. But in fact he could not see the truth; his donkey could see better than he. Nevertheless, in spite of himself, God spoke through him about the future King, a "star from Jacob", surely pointing to the future Messiah-King, whose birth we are preparing to celebrate. The Pharisees, too, in today's Gospel think they can see but in fact they are blind - they cannot see the presence and power of God right before them. Ultimately they are being accused of a stubborn blindness, unable and unwilling to see the hand of God either in the mission of Jesus or of John the Baptist. They could not see that the authority with which Jesus spoke clearly resided in Himself. He was not just the bearer of a message; He was Himself the Source of the message. He was the very Word of God. "This is my beloved Son. Listen to him". (Mk. 9:7).