LORD, make me know your ways!

"We do not know!" The response given by Pharisees and Scribes to the question Jesus put to them was an 'escape route' which we often take to avoid trouble!

This is very unlike that of Balaam, the "seer" from a foreign nation, called to curse Israel! Balaam listened to God's Word and was true to what he was called to prophecy by Yahweh! This meant going against his king, Balak!

"LORD make me know your ways!" We say in the Responsorial psalm, but how sincere are we to follow GOD's ways! Num. 24:17 proclaims Balaam's prophecy: "a star from Jacob takes the leadership..."

Jesus of Nazareth is a descendant of the tribe of Jacob. He enters the Temple and teaches. His authority to do what he does is questioned by those who had been given this power but had neglected their duties!

Both John the Baptist and Jesus came to lead the people back to GOD. Advent is the time when we are reminded that we are travelling on this path!

Every moment on this path should be revelatory of God's desire for each of us.