PROPHECY

INTRODUCTION

This morning I would like to preach on the theme of prophecy. I read today’s three readings and that’s the theme that jumped out at me: Prophecy.

All of us are called to be prophets. Not in the sense of predicting that Giants will win the Super Bowl or that the New York Rangers will win the Stanley Cup. No. But in the sense of knowing that going this way or living life this way is good and going this way is bad.

PROPHET, PRIEST AND KING

Our call by our Baptism is to be prophets, priests and kings. All of us.

As priests, we are called to worship God. Liturgy. To thank God each Sabbath for the gift of life -- for our daily bread -- for each other.

As kings we are called to be servant kings, to be the kind of king and leader Jesus was: a foot washer.

As prophets to go in the right direction and lead others there too. As prophets we are called to speak out -- to speak the truth -- even when it’s difficult.

FIRST READING

In today’s first reading we hear about these two characters, Medad and Eldad. Great names. The scene is the Israeli camp in Sinai. They have fled Egypt and Moses is leading them to the promised land. Well, here we have these two men, Medad and Eldad, preaching. Joshua, who has been an aide to Moses from his youth comes running to Moses and says, “Moses, these two fellows are preaching. Stop them.” And Moses says, “Are you jealous?” Then Moses gives one of his best lines, “Would that the Lord might bestow his spirit on everyone.”

SECOND READING

In today’s second reading we have something to prophesy about. It’s this eternal rat race for money. It’s this ongoing horse race for riches.

For the last few years I’ve been with people who say, “Excuse me for a moment.” They turn on the TV and turn to the stock ticker. To me it’s a horse race -- a big one -- an ongoing one -- where big betting is going on.

The jockeys are all those guys and gals in the pit or at the TV screen in countless offices buying and selling, selling and buying.

Yes it keeps the economy going.

I would say that we need prophets to speak out about extremes when it comes to this profit stuff.

James talks about wages being held back from farm hands who harvested your fields. Then he goes after those who life in wanton luxury and in the meanwhile are killing the just man.

There are people out there being hurt because of excess when it comes to wanting big returns on the stock market. Companies move without regard for towns and families, etc.

Someone needs to speak out. The prophet in all of us needs to examine this.

GOSPEL

In today’s gospel Jesus runs into the same situation as Moses did. People are preaching in Jesus name and helping people.

Jesus answers in a similar vein.

He tells his disciples to give. To give glasses of cold water.

He tells his disciples to beware of taking in or on what kills us.

Modern Prophets are saying the same thing. In the book, Life’s little Instruction Book, H. Jackson Brown urges us to buy lemonade from kids who are selling it. He says to stop and listen to street musicians and give them a buck.

Modern prophets - these talk show hosts - tell people to cut off from their life relationships that kill us.

It’s difficult cut it gossip -- but think of the consequences: garbage in, garbage out.

Picture a paparazzi who makes his money getting salacious or invasive photographs for bad stories. Imagine if someone says that this is not the way to live one’s life. Get another job. It will mean the loss of money, but if he does it, he’s onto a better life.

Picture someone at work saying to his or fellow workers, “There is too much laziness around here. Everyone is on an eternal coffee break. No wonder companies move out.

CONCLUSION

Today’s readings call all of us to live our calling to be prophets. Amen