A Christmas message from Alan Gregory, our Principal
Enjoy Alan’s message this festive season.
Balaam, local seer and, for the appropriate consideration, provider of blessings and cursing, should appear on Christmas cards once in a while. You may remember the story. Balak, King of Moab, wants a good bit of malediction and curse for the Israelites. They’ve landed on his doorstep, and he’s worried. He calls upon Balaam, who promises God only to speak as God instructs him. However, by the time that Balaam saddles up his donkey, he has already changed his mind and decided for Balak’s cash, which sparkles enough to blind him. Consequently, he doesn’t see the angel blazing on the path in front of him. The donkey, of course, perfectly sensible and with 20-20 vision, does see the angel. She shivers and whimpers, twisting from one side to the other, anywhere but to face the angel. In a fury, Balaam strikes his donkey. She squashes him against the wall by the path and then collapses in a shuddering heap. The enraged prophet saw nothing and heard nothing, though there was enough light on the road from that one angel to make a second sun. Then the donkey speaks, which donkeys do not, as a rule, do, “Why are you beating me?” she says, “Have I not obeyed you every inch of every way? Is it not possible, even remotely possible, that you may have missed something? That you are deaf and blind to what is under your nose.” Only then did Balaam see the angel and hear the voice of God.
About the role
This passage invites reflection on the nature of divine communication and the importance of listening to God's guidance. It highlights the contrast between Balaam's initial refusal to follow God's command and his eventual recognition of the angelic presence, emphasizing the transformative power of divine revelation.
Responsibilities
The passage does not provide specific responsibilities but rather serves as a metaphor for the need to listen to divine guidance and recognize the signs of God's presence in our lives.
Requirements
The passage does not specify any requirements for the role of Balaam or anyone else involved in the narrative.
Qualifications
The passage does not provide specific qualifications for the role of Balaam or anyone else involved in the narrative.
Skills
The passage does not provide specific skills required for the role of Balaam or anyone else involved in the narrative.
Benefits
The passage does not mention any benefits associated with the role of Balaam or anyone else involved in the narrative.
Pay
The passage does not specify any pay details for the role of Balaam or anyone else involved in the narrative.
Schedule
The passage does not mention any schedule details for the role of Balaam or anyone else involved in the narrative.
Benefits
The passage does not provide specific benefits associated with the role of Balaam or anyone else involved in the narrative.
Pay
The passage does not specify any pay details for the role of Balaam or anyone else involved in the narrative.
Schedule
The passage does not mention any schedule details for the role of Balaam or anyone else involved in the narrative.