It’s not rocket-science to know that 2+2 = 4, and neither is a prophet a wizard with magical ability to foretell future events.
A prophet is one who knows what two is and who can work out that if you put two twos together you have four. A prophet therefore is someone who can see the outcome of present words and actions. A prophet is one who can read the signs of the times.
There are people who may have the interior discernment and wisdom of the prophet, but they lack the courage to speak the truth, preferring the safety of silence even when they are called by God to speak.
In today’s gospel we hear that: “Jesus came to Nazareth and spoke to the people in the synagogue: ‘I tell you solemnly, no prophet is ever accepted in his own country.”
When the people heard Jesus speak suggesting that God would be working in unexpected ways among the most unlikely and unworthy people “everyone in the synagogue was enraged. They sprang to their feet and hustled him out of the town; and they took him up to the brow of the hill their town was built on, intending to throw him down the cliff…”
It is significant to note Jesus reaction, the response of the mature prophet in the face of such rejection and antagonism: “he slipped through the crowd and walked away.”
An Invitation:
- Prophets are not popular. In what ways do you know that your life of faith has made you unpopular with others?
- Are you aware of times when you remain silent when you know Jesus is nudging you to speak or act?
- How do you know when the best action is to stay and speak, and when the time is right to “slip through the crowd and walk away?
In these days of the threat of the global COVID-19 virus
many people are living with suffering and fear.
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The prophet who speaks with love has no room for fear. For me, this is the difference between Jesus and the Old Testament prophets. Their messages were of gloom and doom, whereas Jesus spoke of new life and growth.
Thanks for this reflection and the leading reflective questions to articulate the insights of experiences where and when fear and lack of courage to speak the truth and the moments of growth in maturity to know when to slip through the crowd.
Jesus and the Holy Spirit are usually nudging us to do small things.
Visit the lonely lady, hand your neighbour some fruit growing on your tree, or just give the girl behind the counter a big smile with your thank you.
To evangelise you need the support of other like minded people.
I often think that that “little voice” inside your head suggesting that you do something you hadn’t thought of, is the Holy Spirit encouraging you to get on with it! Then, with a quick prayer, you just have to do it! Sometimes it works out ok – sometimes it doesn’t (!) but you have to try!
David, like what you said. A smile, a kind word, a phone call or visit to someone living alone, how is your day to the stressed checkout person, the small things go a long way. And to pray for those who you may think need it. Sometimes I just say god bless to someone as a parting gesture. Give them a taste that the divine is there for them to especially if they may not have an active faith.