prophecy
"You must prophesy again for many peoples and nations, languages and kings." —Revelation 10:11
A prophet is one who speaks out in God's name for his present generation. Prophecy is not about the future, but about the present. A prophet calls people to repent and to come back to Almighty God.
St. John is invested with his role as a prophet in our reading from Revelation. Up until this point he has been an observer, but following our passage he becomes active and measures the temple (Rv 11:1). The little scroll (Rv 10:9) is the open message of the New Testament. Anyone who speaks out in the Lord's name must digest that biblical scroll so that it becomes a part of him. The sweetness of the message leaves an aftertaste so that one can better deal with the bitterness that must necessarily come (Rv 10:10).
Anyone who thoroughly digests the message of Jesus Christ is bound to be misunderstood and persecuted. Jesus gave a fuller understanding to the Old Testament message (Lk 19:46). For His pains the leaders of the people were trying to put Him to death (Lk 19:47).
At Baptism, every Christian is called to be a prophet (Catechism, 1546), a champion of truth to his or her own generation. Are you a prophet? Are you willing to accept the bitterness that will necessarily come? Say "yes" by accepting your baptismal commitment seriously.
Prayer: Lord, let my response to Your call always be "yes, yes" so that I might better bring others to You.
Promise: "The law of Your mouth is to me more precious than thousands of gold and silver pieces." —Ps 119:72
Praise: Our Lady of Presentation was pure from her conception and was presented to God in the temple as a living sacrifice.
Reference: (For related teaching, order our leaflet, Seek Prophecy, or our tape on audio AV 14A-1, AV 14A-3, AV 14B-1 or video V-14A, V-14B.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 24, 2014
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