Tuesday of
the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
(I Corinthians 12:12-14.27-31a; Luke 7:11-17)
Prophets speak on God’s behalf. They often utter truths that no one wants to hear. When Judah was being besieged by Assyrian troops, Isaiah told the people to trust in God and not in strategic alliances. When Israel’s economy was humming, Amos chastised the nation for ignoring the needs of the poor. In both readings today mention is made of prophets in New Testament times.
(I Corinthians 12:12-14.27-31a; Luke 7:11-17)
Prophets speak on God’s behalf. They often utter truths that no one wants to hear. When Judah was being besieged by Assyrian troops, Isaiah told the people to trust in God and not in strategic alliances. When Israel’s economy was humming, Amos chastised the nation for ignoring the needs of the poor. In both readings today mention is made of prophets in New Testament times.
Paul lists prophets as the second most important ministry
of the Church. Prophets were not
ordained but had a natural ability to speak a necessary but unexpressed truth
at a given moment. Especially Luke’s
gospel presents Jesus as a prophet. Like
the primordial prophets Elijah and Elisha he raises the widow’s son from the
dead. He also reveals God’s will on
questions like whether one should heal on the Sabbath. Jesus’ prophecy culminates in Jerusalem when
he predicts the destruction of the city.
He tells the people to lead virtuous so that he might rescue them at the
critical hour.
The Church has prophets although not a formal ministry of
prophecy. Pope St. Paul VI was a prophet
when he wrote the difficult truth of Humanae
Vitae. Prophetic voices are being
raised now. They speak of the need to
include women at all level of Church decision-making. We best listen carefully or we may be defying
the will of God.
