Advent is opening to authority of God

Lord My Chef Daily Recipe for the Soul by Fr. Nicanor F. Lalog II
Monday in the Third Week of Advent, 15 December 2025
Number 24:2-7, 15-17     <*((((><  +  ><))))*>     Matthew 21:23-27

When Jesus had come 
into the temple area, 
the chief priests and the elders 
of the people approached him
as he was teaching and said,
"By whose authority
are you doing these things?
And who gave you the authority"?
(Matthew 21:23)

Lord Jesus Christ,
forgive me,
forgive us for the many times
we ask you the same question
about your authority;
so many times we do it so
subtly by trying to ask it 
out of curiosity and fear,
resistance and defiance,
or a desire to understand more;
whatever the reason, Lord,
many times I find my questioning
of your authority leads me more
into myself, into my pride and ego.

As we get closer to your
birthday, I ask for the grace
of this Advent Season to be
more open to your authority,
Lord Jesus; teach me to trust
always your silent authority in myn life;
like Balaam in the Old Testament, 
grant me Jesus the grace 
to be faithful to your voice,
to your manifestations,
to submit myself 
to your authority
speaking only your words
and doing your will.
Amen.