Monday of the 3rd Week of Advent
Num 24: 2-7,15-17
Mt 21:23–27
He sees what Shaddai makes him see, receives the divine answer, and his eyes are opened.
Although I appreciate the hope-filled nature of the readings during Advent, sometimes I find them slightly abstract and removed from our current conflict-ridden world. So I was intrigued to learn that Balaam, the prophet featured in today’s first reading, had originally been commanded by Balak to curse Israel. However, Balaam found himself not only uttering blessings, but doing so multiple times! This incident provides an encouraging indication of our Lord’s faithfulness, perseverance and ability to involve all circumstances and all people (even those we consider our enemies) in His plans. It also provides an inspiring (though intimidating) example of Balaam’s courage, especially when he declared that, “Even if Balak gave me his house full of silver and gold, I could not of my own accord do anything, good or evil, contrary to the command of the Lord’. Whatever the Lord says I must say.” (Numbers 24:13)
Nonetheless, I found myself wistfully thinking that it would be great if we were blessed with Balaam’s ability to see our Lord’s plans ‘with eyes unveiled’. But this also made me think of a home in my neighbourhood, whose owner displays an altar (comprising a crucifix as well as statues and pictures of Jesus and Mary) right next to a large window. As I usually walk past the window on my way to the bus stop, I have formed the habit of gazing at the crucifix to say a short prayer, sometimes pausing for a while if no one else is around. It has become an automatic routine which offers reassurance, especially on ‘bad days’ when I leave my own home in a hurry, or am dreading a stressful day at work. However, there was once when I was slightly taken aback to realise that I couldn’t see the altar, as the window blinds had been drawn down. But it took just a moment to realise that it was a blazingly hot afternoon, before I murmured my usual prayer and continued on my way. Even though the altar had been ‘veiled’ from my sight, I knew that God continued to be present and was sure that He had heard me.
With this in mind, perhaps what I ought to be seeking during Advent is steadfast hope in God’s presence based on His love and goodness as described in scripture, the hope which sustained the prophets throughout the centuries, though they may not have actually witnessed any tangible sign of their prophecies. Such hope would add depth to the Advent readings, strengthen my trust in our Lord’s plans and help me to discern how He is speaking to us amid the ‘veils’ of cynicism, secularism, consumerism and various other ‘-ism’s’ which distract us today.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Jaclyn Lam)
Prayer: Lord, help us to persevere in faith and trust, even when we cannot sense Your presence.
Thanksgiving: Lord, we thank you for the prophets and the example they set through their words and ways of living. Help us to realise how you call us to be prophets in our own ways today.
OXYGEN 
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