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One Bread, One Body - Reflection for August 1, 2008

PROPHECY AND THE HEART OF GOD

"...My servants the prophets, whom I send you constantly though you do not obey them..." –Jeremiah 26:5

The Lord commands us to set our hearts on the spiritual gift of prophecy "above all" (1 Cor 14:1). Here are some scriptural observations upon which to meditate as we seek prophecy:

• "Indeed, the Lord God does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants, the prophets" (Am 3:7).
• God relentlessly sends His prophets to warn His people, just in case they might repent (Jer 26:5; Jon 4:11).
• Prophecy without love gains nothing (1 Cor 13:2).
• "No prophet is without honor except in his native place, indeed in his own house" (Mt 13:57).
• Prophets must be obedient, saying exactly what God commands, omitting nothing (Jer 26:2).
• Prophecy is a lifestyle. Isaiah, Ezekiel, Elijah, Jeremiah, Moses, Hosea, and other prophets all had to live radical lives of sacrificial obedience in order to be God's prophets.
• Prophets must not be discouraged or surprised at rejection.
• Because prophecy is God's message spoken at the perfect time, it has a great impact. All of Nineveh repented at the unwilling prophecy of Jonah (Jon 3:5ff).
• "Without prophecy the people become demoralized" (Prv 29:18). Thus the prophets, along with the apostles, form the foundation of the Church (Eph 2:20).

At Baptism, you were baptized into Jesus' prophetic ministry (Catechism, 1268, 783). Seek prophecy and build up the Church (1 Cor 14:4).

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Acknowledgement

Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:

· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College