The 14th of December, 2020, Monday is the Memorial of Saint John of the Cross, Priest and Doctor of the Church. The Holy Bible verses for the mass readings for this day came from the Liturgical Calendar of the Year 2021.
Reading 1: NM 24:2-7, 15-17A
The first reading from the Book of Numbers.
Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw Israel dwelling according to their tribes; and the Spirit of God came on him.
He took up his parable, and said, “Balaam the son of Beor says, the man whose eyes are open says; he says, who hears the words of God, who sees the vision of the Almighty, falling down, and having his eyes open: How goodly are your tents, Jacob, and your dwellings, Israel!
As valleys they are spread out, as gardens by the riverside, as aloes which Yahweh has planted, as cedar trees beside the waters.
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.”
He took up his parable, and said, “Balaam the son of Beor says, the man whose eyes are open says; 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: 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.”
Responsorial Psalm: PS 25:4-5AB, 6 and 7BC, 8-9
Response: Show me your ways, Yahweh. Teach me your paths.
Show me your ways, Yahweh. Teach me your paths.
Guide me in your truth, and teach me, For you are the God of my salvation.
R: Show me your ways, Yahweh. Teach me your paths.
Yahweh, remember your tender mercies and your loving kindness, for they are from old times.
Remember me according to your loving kindness, for your goodness’ sake, Yahweh.
R: Show me your ways, Yahweh. Teach me your paths.
Good and upright is Yahweh, therefore he will instruct sinners in the way.
He will guide the humble in justice. He will teach the humble his way.
R: Show me your ways, Yahweh. Teach me your paths.
Gospel of the Day: MT 21:23-27
From the gospel scripture according to Matthew.
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?”
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.
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?’
But if we say, ‘From men,’ we fear the multitude, for all hold John as a prophet.”
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.”
