But, the prophet is often rejected in scripture. This is why so many prophets are reluctant to take up the prophet’s mantle. Prophets are put to death for speaking a message many don’t want to hear: the word of God, the call to conversion. The prophet points out the infidelities and idolatries, and he doesn’t change his message just because he’s speaking to relatives because his message is true no matter who he is speaking to.
The prophetic role of the Church, the prophetic role of bishops, and indeed of every baptized Christian provokes the same kind of reaction. Many Bishops and priests shy away from the prophetic role because it brings such consternation. Many have chosen to remain silent because of the resistance they would face.
Many of you may have at some point run into a similar attitudes in your families or at work when the topic of religion is brought up. We often face cynicism, mockery, or simply hardheartedness from fallen away Catholics. Personally, I’ve met Protestants more open to discussing topics of faith than fallen away Catholics, or Catholics who dissent from Church teaching. I know I’ve ended up saying the words of Jesus to myself with a sigh, “a prophet is not without honor except in his own house”.
In such situations I’ve found that it’s best to put the situation or the person in God’s hands. God is the One who brings about the conversion and the understanding. Our job is simply to preach the truth, to explain the teaching. And we might be rejected, but that’s the job we signed up for at baptism. The Lord leaves the preaching to us, and the conversion of heart we leave to him.
“Woe to me,” as St. Paul says, “if I do not preach the Gospel.”
May the Lord sustain us when we do experience rejection. May He assist us in preaching and teaching clearly and with conviction. May he increase our willingness to suffer for those who are in darkness, that the light of His Truth may shine in every human heart for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
That the Ordained may be faithful and courageous in preaching the Gospel in its entirety, and that all the baptized may be faithful in their prophetic role in the Church.
For the conversion of those who do not believe in God, for Catholics who have left the Church, those guilty of heresy or schism, and for a return to the sacraments of those who have fallen into serious sin.
That our young people may turn away from the empty promises of the world and from all self-centeredness, for blessings upon all Christian families, for the protection of the unborn.
For the sick and afflicted, the homebound, those in nursing homes and hospitals, for those recovering from surgery, for victims of natural disaster, war, violence, and terrorism, for the mentally ill, those with addictions, and the imprisoned, for the comfort of the dying and the consolation of their families. We pray to the Lord.
For all the souls in purgatory, for the deceased members of our families, friends, for deceased priests and religious, and for those who have fought and died for our freedom. We pray.
Incline your merciful ear to our prayers, we ask, O Lord, and listen in kindness to the supplications of those who call on you. Through Christ our Lord.
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