13 December 2021, Advent Week 3 - Monday
MASS READINGS
FIRST READING
"A star rises, issuing from Jacob"
Reading the Book of Numbers 24, 2-7.15-17a
In those days,
looking up, the pagan prophet Balaam
saw Israel encamped, ranged in tribes.
The spirit of God was upon him,
and he spoke these enigmatic words:
“Oracle of Balaam, son of Beor,
oracle of man with penetrating gaze,
oracle of one who hears the words of God.
He sees what the Mighty makes him see,
he falls into ecstasy, and his eyes open.
How beautiful are your tents, Jacob,
and your dwellings, Israel!
They stretch out like valleys,
like gardens by a river;
the Lord planted them like aloes,
like cedars by the water's edge!
A hero will come out of the descendants of Jacob,
he will rule over many peoples.
His reign will be greater than that of Gog,
his kingship will be exalted. "
Balaam again uttered these enigmatic words:
“Oracle of Balaam, son of Beor,
oracle of man with penetrating gaze,
oracle of one who hears the words of God,
who possesses the knowledge of the Most High.
He sees what the Mighty makes him see,
he falls into ecstasy, and his eyes open.
This hero, I see him - but not for now -
I see him - but not up close:
A star rises, issuing from Jacob,
a scepter rises, issuing from Israel. "
- Word of the Lord.
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