Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today’s readings show how often humanity puts up barriers to God. The Lord wants to draw us to Himself, yet we are the ones who put up the barriers.
In the beginning of Israel’s journey, the people enjoyed the direct presence of God. They still asked not to hear the voice of the Lord on Horeb, and the Lord promised Moses, “I will raise up a prophet like yourself.” The role of a prophet was not a small duty in ancient Israel. The prophets spoke on behalf of God.
They would receive divine inspiration. Then, in turn, they would fill the hearts of the people with the inspiration they had received. Prophets weren’t superheroes. They didn’t dawn capes and fly around. They spoke the truth of God to the people even when it brought them into conflict with others. Some of them worked miracles. (Read the story of the prophet Elijah in First Kings). Some saw the future. Others called Israel to return to justice. There were those who hesitated to serve, like Jonah and Amos. The prophets weren’t concerned with making a profit (no pun intended). They saw their work as an essential service to God’s people.
Jesus fulfilled the role of a prophet in His ministry. This doesn’t diminish Jesus’ true identity as the Son of God and Messiah. Jesus’ role as prophet works in unity with these other truths. Jesus comes into Capernaum today. He teaches in the Synagogue on the Sabbath. He teaches with authority. He casts out demons. He is able to command them to be quiet. Jesus fulfilled the prophetic role completely.
We can share in a prophetic role as well. Through our common Baptism, we share in the roles of priest, prophet, and king. We have the responsibility and honor to proclaim the truth about Jesus by these Baptismal roles.
Reflection by Br. Matthew Marie, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections