We often think of a prophet as someone who foretells the future. Sometimes they do that. But in the biblical sense, a prophet is someone who speaks on behalf of God. Maybe it’s a blessing or maybe a curse. The most important thing about being a prophet is speaking what God wants you to speak.
Last week, we talked about how we are all called to be priests in our baptism. Today, we see how we are also all called to be prophets in virtue of our baptism. You may be thinking, “Who am I to speak for God?” In our first reading, we see that being a prophet isn’t so much about your own ability, but rather that you have been give the spirit of prophecy and been anointed by God for this mission. So, if you’ve been baptized, you’ve been given the spirit of prophecy and have been anointed with the Sacred Chrism. You’re a prophet!
Perhaps without realizing it, you’ve been speaking a lot about God. Do you shy away from talking about religion or hesitate to speak up about your faith? Well, you’re speaking. You’re communicating to people that God is not really that important or that your belief in God is private or even embarrassing to you. It’s not that we have to go around overtly talking about God all the time. But, would those you work with and associate with even know that you’re Catholic?
Your life, both your words and your actions, speak about God. You are a prophet. What message are you speaking?