Monday
of the Third Week of Lent
Ten years
ago former presidential candidate Mitch Romney called Russia America’s greatest
military threat. Political opponents
dismissed him as out of touch with the times. Now with Putin’s invasion of
Ukraine his words are considered prophetic.
The readings today show two other prophets whose words were rejected
until they proved to be true.
A prophet’s
task is to present the truth, especially when it is difficult to discern. The Holy Spirit has inspired religious
prophets to present the truth on behalf of God’s people. Elisha presents the truth to Naaman that all
his horses and chariots, all his gold and garments will not regain his
health. To achieve that Naaman must do
as he, God’s prophet, tells him. Similarly
the people of Nazareth should look to Jesus not for benefits that he may bring but
for truth he tells. They must heed his
words because he is God’s ultimate prophet.
Jesus as
well as the Old Testament prophets present two critical truths. First and foremost, they relate God’s love
for us – more than a mother cares for her child. Secondly, prophets warn us that we must
respond to God with love. We love God
because he is the best there is. We love
others because they are our sisters and brothers – children of our common
heavenly Father.
