Readings: Numbers 24:2-7, 15-17 / Matthew 21:23-27
Reflection
Balaam, a pagan prophet hired to curse Israel, ends up blessing them instead. He can't help himself—the Spirit of God comes upon him and he sees what's coming: "A star shall advance from Jacob, and a scepter shall rise from Israel." He's seeing the Messiah centuries before His birth. A star. A king. Someone who will crush enemies and establish an eternal kingdom. The prophecy is stunning, given from the mouth of someone who wasn't even part of God's chosen people. God's plan is so big, so unstoppable, that even hired opposition becomes unwitting prophecy. Fast forward to Matthew's Gospel and the religious leaders corner Jesus in the temple: "By what authority are you doing these things? And who gave you this authority?" They're threatened. Jesus is healing, teaching, overturning tables, claiming authority over the temple itself. So they demand credentials. Jesus responds with His own question: "Where was John's baptism from? Was it of heavenly or of human origin?" Brilliant. If they say "heavenly," Jesus will ask why they didn't believe John. If they say "human," the crowd who loved John will turn on them. So they punt: "We do not know." And Jesus says, "Neither shall I tell you by what authority I do these things."
Here's the connection: Balaam saw the star coming. John pointed to the star when it arrived. But the religious leaders, the ones who should have recognized the star immediately, miss it completely. They're so focused on protecting their authority that they can't see the Authority standing right in front of them. Balaam prophesied about a scepter rising from Israel—a king with power and dominion. That scepter is Jesus. That king is standing in their temple. And they're asking for His credentials while refusing to acknowledge the witness of John who prepared His way. The irony is brutal. A pagan prophet sees what God's chosen leaders refuse to see. A wild man in the desert recognizes what trained theologians miss. Authority isn't always found where you expect it. Sometimes it shows up in a carpenter from Nazareth who won't play by the religious establishment's rules.
Jesus doesn't need their validation. He doesn't need their permission. He doesn't need their credentials. He has authority from the Father—the same authority Balaam saw in his vision, the same authority John testified to with his whole life. The religious leaders' refusal to acknowledge it doesn't diminish it. Their inability to answer Jesus' question about John reveals the real problem: they're not interested in truth. They're interested in control. And you can't control the star that advances from Jacob. You can only recognize it, worship it, and follow it. Or you can miss it completely while demanding to see its paperwork. The star is rising. The scepter is here. The question isn't whether Jesus has authority. The question is whether you'll recognize it.
Franciscan Reflection
Francis faced the same question Jesus did: "By what authority are you doing these things?" Church leaders questioned his poverty, his methods, and his radical obedience to the Gospel. Francis didn't have a theological degree. He wasn't ordained. He was just a merchant's son who took Jesus literally. But Francis never defended his authority or argued his credentials. He simply lived the Gospel and let the fruit speak for itself. Like Balaam seeing what others couldn't see, Francis recognized Jesus' authority in the leper, in the poor, in creation itself. He didn't need the establishment's approval because he had the Father's calling. Where in your life are you demanding credentials instead of recognizing fruit? Where are you questioning authority instead of following the Star?
For Your Reflection
Take your time with these questions. See which ones resonate with you.
About the Star:
- Balaam saw a star advancing from Jacob—the Messiah coming. What star is God showing you that you're refusing to follow?
- The star appeared to outsiders (like the Magi) before insiders saw it. Where might God be revealing Himself outside your expectations?
- Are you so focused on your own plans that you're missing the star God's placed in your sky?
About Authority:
- The religious leaders demanded Jesus' credentials. When have you questioned God's authority because it didn't fit your expectations?
- Jesus asked about John's baptism—was it from heaven or human? What conviction or calling in your life are you treating as "human origin" when it might be from heaven?
- Where are you refusing to answer God's questions while demanding He answer yours?
About Recognition:
- Balaam, an outsider, saw what Israel's leaders missed. Who in your life sees spiritual truth that you're blind to?
- The leaders couldn't acknowledge John's authority, so they couldn't recognize Jesus' authority. What truth are you avoiding that's keeping you from seeing Jesus clearly?
- Jesus didn't need their validation. Do you trust God's calling even when others question your credentials?
About Control vs. Surrender:
- The religious leaders wanted control. Jesus wanted to surrender to God's Will. Which are you living?
- Where are you demanding answers instead of trusting God's authority?
- What would it look like to follow the star without needing to understand everything first?
Praying the Joyful Mysteries
As you pray the rosary today, see the star advancing:
The Annunciation - Mary recognizes God's authority. No credentials demanded. Just "Let it be done."
The Visitation - Elizabeth recognizes Mary's blessing. The outsider sees what others miss.
The Nativity - The star appears. Shepherds and Magi recognize it. The religious establishment misses it.
The Presentation - Simeon and Anna recognize the infant Messiah. Old, faithful watchers see what young rulers don't.
Finding in the Temple - Young Jesus has authority that even the teachers recognize. "They were astonished at his understanding."
The Joyful Mysteries show us who recognizes Jesus and who doesn't. The humble see. The proud miss. The question is: which are you?
A Quiet Challenge
This week, stop demanding credentials and start recognizing fruit. When you encounter someone whose authority you question—maybe a spiritual teacher, a friend speaking truth, a prompting in prayer—don't ask "Who gave you this authority?" Ask instead: "What fruit is this producing?"
Jesus told us we'd know trees by their fruit. Balaam saw the star because he was watching. The Magi followed it because they were willing. The religious leaders missed it because they were too busy protecting their position.
Watch for stars this week. They might appear in unexpected places—through unexpected people. Your job isn't to validate them. Your job is to follow them.
Closing
Pray this with open eyes:
"Lord Jesus, You are the star that advances from Jacob, the scepter that rises from Israel. You have all authority in heaven and on earth—not because religious leaders validated You, but because the Father sent You. Forgive me when I demand credentials instead of recognizing fruit. Forgive me when I question Your authority because it doesn't fit my expectations. Give me eyes like Balaam to see what's coming. Give me courage like John to point to You. Give me humility like Mary to say yes without needing all the answers. I don't want to miss the star because I'm too busy protecting my own authority. Show me where You're moving, and help me follow. In Jesus' Name, Amen."
Then ask:
- What star is God showing me that I'm refusing to follow?
- Where am I demanding credentials instead of recognizing Jesus' authority?
- Am I willing to follow the star even if it leads somewhere unexpected?
A star shall advance from Jacob. It already has. The question is: are you watching? Are you following? Or are you too busy asking for paperwork?
The star is rising. Don't miss it.
Monday of the Third Week of Advent
December 15, 2025
A Franciscan Reflection
©2025 James Dacey, Jr., OFS
