OUR RESPONSE TO TRUTH

• Today’s first reading: Num 24 - The Oracle of Balaam.
• Today’s Gospel reading: Mat 21:23-27 - The chief priests and scribes questioning Jesus’s authority.

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Fr Edward Seah pointed out that the two passages spoke about discernment of truth and one’s response.  

He contrasted the two responses in the two passages:

1. Balaam chose to respond with his eyes opened to the truth, turning his intended curse into a blessing
2. The chief priests and elders chose to remain blinded to the truth, saying “we do not know”

Fr went on to point out two contradictory virtues 

1. Absolute detachment - giving up of everything earthly
2. Absolute love - suffering for love’s sake

And two rules to perfection

1. Acting in Union with Christ
2. Mortifying one’s senses

At the evening of life, 

we shall be judged on our love.   

(St John of the Cross 1542-1591)

In striving towards perfection - to be free to:

• love without selfishness
• suffer without grudges
• renounce without remorse
• rejoice without reserve