Friday, May 2

Today’s Lectionary Readings: Psalm 10; Ezekiel 1:28-3:3; Matthew 14:1-12; 1 Corinthians 15:29-34; Psalm 7

There are many roles that spiritual leaders of faith communities are called to play. At times, for instance, spiritual leaders are called to serve in administrative roles; at other times, they are called to provide pastoral care. One of the most important roles they are called to play is the role of the prophet. In my first few years of ministry I’ve found that the prophetic role is perhaps the least understood role of all the roles we pastors play. When most folks hear the word “prophet” spoken, they assume a prophet is merely someone who points toward, or predicts the future. Others hear the word and think of a prophet as someone who heralds gloom and doom for a community. Neither of those descriptions really get at what I feel is the heart of the call to be a prophet. The way I think of the prophetic role is to be someone who names things for a community. Through that naming process greater clarity is introduced into the situation. In today’s passage from Matthew, for instance, we hear a bit of John the Baptist’s history recounted. In that recounting, we are reminded of John’s courageous ability to name something of great important. You see in John’s day there were lots of folks who looked around and saw the nature of Herod’s relationship with Herodias (Herod‘s sister-in-law). And while they knew the situation was problematic, most folks were willing to simply look the other way. John was the one who finally stepped forward and named what was happening. Of course things didn’t turn out well for John personally (as they often don’t for those who claim their prophetic voice). And yet despite the personal outcome for John, greater clarity was introduced into the situation because of John’s courage to name what was happening. John’s community was strengthened in the long run. Perhaps there are ways in which God is calling you to assume a prophetic voice - to name some things that are happening around you in order to restore a sense of health and balance. If that is your call, take courage in knowing that while the ramifications of finding your voice might be difficult in the short term; the long-term health and well-being of your community (and your own peace of mind) just might rest upon your ability to do so. Til next time…