(Please read the Scripture passages first, before the homily.)
I want to interpret this passage from Matthew in the light of the ancient prophecy of Balaam from the book of Numbers. I am looking at the authority Christ has for his actions and words.
The story of Balaam, complete with his talking donkey, is told in Numbers, chapters 22 to 24. Balak, son of Zippor and, king of Moab, called on Balaam, a very much esteemed and powerful religious figure. Balak wants Balaam to curse the Israelites, but Balaam could only speak what God had put into his mouth and God only gave Balaam words of blessing for the Israelites. The question here is “by whose authority Balaam blessed the Israelites?”
Hear the same question in the gospel story. From where did Jesus get his authority, from human or from divine command? Could Jesus have done anything other than what Balaam did?
The same question applies to us? From what authority do our words and actions come? Balaam had to hear the word from God in order to speak it. Jesus had to hear the word of God in order to speak and do it. We need to listen to the word of God in order to speak and do it.
Balaam had to pay for speaking God’s word: he was sent home penniless. Jesus had to pay for speaking the word of God: he gave his life for it. We likewise have to pay when we speak the word of God. This does not give us authority to claim that our words are God’s word. It means rather that we have to do the hard work of listening to God’s word.
This is what the first part of Advent is about, listening to the word of God. The second part of Advent in recognizing that Jesus Christ, in the flesh as the Son of Mary, is the Word of God, made flesh in our midst. The first is to prepare for the second. Without the first part, the second makes no sense.
Balaam’s donkey spoke. God’s word, made flesh in Jesus, spoke in Jesus. God’s word, now made flesh in us, wants to speak through us. We must listen, learn and speak this word of God. If we do not than Balaam’s donkey was smarter than we are and we have no authority with which to speak.