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Friday, August 1, 2008

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St. Alphonsus Liguori


Jeremiah 26:1-9
Psalm 69:5, 8-10, 14
Matthew 13:54-58

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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).

Prayer:  Jesus, the Prophet (Lk 7:16), teach me "what to say and how to speak" (Jn 12:49). Give me Your heart for prophecy.

Promise:  "They found Him altogether too much." —Mt 13:57

Praise:  St. Alphonsus founded a religious order to minister the saving love of Jesus to "the most abandoned of souls."

Reference:  (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(For related teaching, order our leaflet, Seek Prophecy.)

Rescript:  †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 25, 2008

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