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 timely 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, 783, 1268). Seek prophecy and build up the Church (1 Cor 14:4).

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 15, 2017

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.