THE IMPORTANCE OF PROPHECY
Happy Sunday to everyone. When was the last time you truly listened to a prophecy from the scriptures, applied it in your life & benefitted from it (perhaps in having a ‘conversion experience, or gaining a greater sense of peace & comfort or developing a greater awareness of God’s presence in your life)?
Today’s readings speak to our heart about prophecy, & the Church rejoices in the gift of prophecy that God has given to her in His Holy Word. The prophets in the bible spoke to the people about many aspects in their lives – God’s love & compassion, His restoration & peace, His protection & provision. He likewise may also have spoken His prophetic Word to you before – words such as “I have loved you with an everlasting love” (cf Jeremiah 31:3); “I know my plans for you … to give you a future filled with hope” (cf Jeremiah 29:11) & “Do not be afraid, I have redeemed you, … you are mine … when you pass through rivers you will not drown, … walk through fire and you will not be harmed” (cf Isaiah 43:1-2).
But they also warned the people about sin, failing to keep His commands, disobeying & dishonouring God, & the dire consequences of their actions like slavery, oppression & exile.
As you can well imagine, while the people appreciated the soothing & comforting parts of the prophetic words, they didn’t take too kindly to the prophecies that challenged them to repent, change their lives & end the rebellion in their hearts. The Old Testament history is replete with many instances of the people mistreating & murdering their prophets –
Isaiah was killed with a saw by King Manasseh of Judah, Zechariah was slain in the temple by King Joash of Judah & Jeremiah was stoned to death in Egypt by Jews living there. Ezekiel, Habakkuk & Amos also faced persecution & martyrdom.
In the New Testament, John the Baptist also suffered the same fate by being beheaded. All the apostles (except St John) were martyred for speaking God’s Word. And, or course, Jesus Christ Our Lord – the Word of God that all the prophets spoke about. He was crucified on the cross!
So, you can see the huge price all the prophets (& the apostles & Our Lord) had to pay to faithfully proclaim God’s Word & God’s Truth to His people. They remained steadfast & committed to their calling, despite the adversity they faced.
What about us, modern day disciples of Jesus? At our Baptism, we were baptized as priest, prophet & king. Thus, we too are called to be prophets & speak God’s Word. Sometimes this means giving words of comfort, encouragement & peace to others who are in great difficulty. Other times, we may be challenged to speak God’s Truth in difficult, uncomfortable & sometimes hostile situations. Can we remain faithful, firm & resolute? We probably won’t be martyred, like the prophets of old! But we will certainly face scorn, criticism & rejection, even by our closest family & friends. We also run the risk of being ‘cancelled’ by the dominant & prevalent ‘Cancel Culture’! Don’t be surprised at this – the Lord Jesus Himself said in today’s Gospel, “A prophet is only despised in his own country among his own relations and in his own house” (cf Mark 6:4).
Let’s take comfort in what St Paul writes in our 2nd Reading today, where he states that the Lord Jesus assured him “My grace is enough for you; my power is at its best in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9). Indeed, as the Lord did for St Paul & all the apostles & faithful disciples down the ages, the Lord will grant you His grace to be steadfast & speak His Truth.
Article by Damian Boon, HFC Blog Team Lead