“And whether they hear or resist—they are a rebellious house—they shall know that a prophet has been among them.” (Ezekiel 2:5)
The major theme for this Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time focuses on how prophets and other messengers from God inevitably suffer rejection and hardship. That happens because they challenge our human propensity for labeling and limiting our possibilities for excellence in fulfilling the will of God, and invite us to look at God, the world and one another with broader eyes and more receptive hearts to face our difficulties with prophetic courage.
The word “prophet” comes from the Greek word προφήτης (profétés) meaning “advocate.” A prophet is God’s spokesperson, serving as an intermediary with humanity, delivering God’s message to His people (Deuteronomy 18:18). The message that the prophet conveys is called a prophecy.
The prophetic assignment is not always portrayed positively in the Bible. Prophets are often the target of persecution and opposition. Despite great sufferings, prophets accept their vocation, not to elevate their own glory, but for God and to turn God’s people back to God. They are rewarded to be close to God, to have intimate relationship with God. Therefore, prophets are our role model of courage and faithfulness to God and our vocation.
God does not want us holding a relationship of Transaction but Transformation. Therefore, Dynamic Christian disciples are those who (1) BELIEVE, (2) GROW, (3) SERVE, (4) LOVE and (5) LEAD others to Jesus. Today’s topic invites us to receive and proclaim courageously God’s words, repent our sins, reflect on our vocation of dynamic Christian discipleship to live a holy life to fulfill God’s will and obtain our salvation.
How can we face and handle rejection with prophetic courage and optimism, respecting ourselves and others?
Wishing everyone a blessed week in the Lord.