Instruments of divine providence

December 16, 2007 -- Third Sunday of Advent

By Bishop Robert Morneau

	Bishop Robert Morneau
	Questions for reflection: 1. What is your understanding of the prophetic vocation? 2. Do all baptized people have a prophetic role to play? 3. Who is your favorite prophet and why?

John the Baptist was a prophet. According to Jim Wallis, the founder of Sojourners, the role of the prophet is two-fold: naming the idols of any given age and calling people back to God. Golden calves are not limited to the Old Testament. Each of us must be aware that we can fall into idolatry by putting money, possession, prestige, or power at the center of our life. The naming of idols demands honesty and courage.

A d v e n t Time of Preparation

But the second task of the prophetic ministry is to call people to return to the Lord. This is the ministry of reconciliation, conversion, and transformation. Ultimately, it is the work of God but prophets are instruments of divine providence who assist us in the ways of repentance. John the Baptist is in the prophetic hall of fame because he excelled in naming idols and in calling us back to God. His message of repentance and his life style have been the source of inspiration down through the ages.

Another quality of prophets is found in Isaiah: the quality of encouragement. Isaiah reminds us time and time again that God is operative in history and is active in redeeming the human race. Be it opening the eyes of the blind or the ears of the deaf, be it healing the lame or assisting the mute to speak, God is our strength, our vindication, and our salvation. Jesus incarnates this redemptive work. He lived out the vision of Isaiah and, by so doing, strengthened the faith of John the Baptist.

Isaiah spoke words of encouragement: "Be strong, fear not!" Our fears are many and at times paralyzing. Both Isaiah and St. Paul call us to focus, not on our own resources, but on the presence of God in our lives. Here is the cause for hope, yes, for rejoicing. God not only creates and redeems us, God also sanctifies and strengthens us. Our God is faithful and the prophets proclaimed this faithfulness.

Kathleen Norris, in her work "Cloister Walk," speaks of the prophetic task as the work of revelation. What the prophet "shows" is "the fault lines hidden beneath the comfortable surface we invent for ourselves, the national myths as well as the little lies and delusions of control and security that get us through the day" (34). Confronting the truth of things is a great ministry, even though at times quite painful. Prophets are truth-tellers and when heeded are also freedom-bringers. Lies, delusions, and myths throw us into darkness and confusion. And there is no peace or justice in this way of life.

In the Letter of St. James, prophets are held up as a good example of individuals who embrace hardships and demonstrate patience. John the Baptist knew the hardship of being in prison and facing execution. Perhaps an even greater trial was the uncertainty about whether or not Jesus was truly the one to come. John the Baptist was wrestling with doubt as he faced the mystery of death. Jesus sent a message back confirming that he was the one to come and already the kingdom was being realized through His healing and reconciling ministry.

Romano Guardini comments: "To be a prophet is to know the meaning behind all events, to interpret them from God's perspective." What a noble, lofty vocation! Indeed, what a dangerous one. Just ask John the Baptist.

(Bishop Morneau is the auxiliary bishop of the Green Bay Diocese and pastor of Resurrection Parish in Allouez.)