Mass Readings for December 16, 2024

Numbers 24:2-7,15-17
Psalms 25:4-9
Matthew 21:23-27

Numbers 24:2-7,15-17
(2) Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw Israel dwelling according to their tribes; and the Spirit of God came on him. (3) He took up his parable, and said, “Balaam the son of Beor says, the man whose eyes are open says; (4) he says, who hears the words of God, who sees the vision of the Almighty, falling down, and having his eyes open: (5) How goodly are your tents, Jacob, and your tents, Israel! (6) As valleys they are spread out, as gardens by the riverside, as aloes which Yahweh has planted, as cedar trees beside the waters. (7) Water shall flow from his buckets. His seed shall be in many waters. His king shall be higher than Agag. His kingdom shall be exalted. (15) He took up his parable, and said, “Balaam the son of Beor says, the man whose eyes are open says; (16) he says, who hears the words of God, knows the knowledge of the Most High, and who sees the vision of the Almighty, Falling down, and having his eyes open: (17) I see him, but not now. I see him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob. A scepter will rise out of Israel, and shall strike through the corners of Moab, and break down all the sons of Sheth.

Psalms 25:4-9
(4) Show me your ways, Yahweh. Teach me your paths. (5) Guide me in your truth, and teach me, For you are the God of my salvation, I wait for you all day long. (6) Yahweh, remember your tender mercies and your loving kindness, for they are from old times. (7) Don’t remember the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions. Remember me according to your loving kindness, for your goodness’ sake, Yahweh. (8) Good and upright is Yahweh, therefore he will instruct sinners in the way. (9) He will guide the humble in justice. He will teach the humble his way.

Matthew 21:23-27
(23) When he had come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and said, “By what authority do you do these things? Who gave you this authority?” (24) Jesus answered them, “I also will ask you one question, which if you tell me, I likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things. (25) The baptism of John, where was it from? From heaven or from men?” They reasoned with themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ (26) But if we say, ‘From men,’ we fear the multitude, for all hold John as a prophet.” (27) They answered Jesus, and said, “We don’t know.” He also said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.