Jesus made emphasis about his prophetic role when he said: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.” ( Lk. 1:4, 14-21). The Lord’s prophecy must also be our prophetic role as Christians by word and by deed. Jesus does what he proclaims and he means what he says. Being criticized, despised, persecuted and even martyred because of one’s faith in God, is part of true discipleship in the Lord. Saints and martyrs are examples of this. If fire purifies metal into gold, so does persecution purifies one’s heart and soul for the Lord. Have you ever experienced condemnation, despise or ridicule because of your devotion or trust in Jesus? If so, then you’re doing God’s business, if not then you’re doing your own business. Jesus must be our model in Christian living and in our prophetic role. In his public ministry, he gave direction to the lost, care to the least and hope to the last. He comforted the disturbed, healed the hurting and pitied the poor. He disturbed the comfortable like what he did to Levi the tax collector (Mt. 9:9-13) and to the rich young man. (Mt.19:16-30). Take note that if you have not experienced persecution or criticism in proclaiming Jesus in your words and works but have indulged yourself in comfort zones of fame and favor, perks and praises, awards and rewards, it’s probably because you have put more emphasis in your “profitic” role over your prophetic work. I find it hard to reconcile the fact that while some people look prayerful and holy in the church, yet mean and arrogant to others outside. Why is it that some people are nice in front of you, yet talk badly about you behind your back? Those who piously kneel in prayer must also stand up to reach out to the needs of their neighbor. Those who strike their chest pleading for forgiveness from God must also open their hearts to forgive wrongs and offenses. Religion is about loving, forgiving and sharing, otherwise it’s all about I, me and myself. Are you doing your prophetic or “profitic “ role as Christian? Are you hostaged by vain ambition and greed or imprisoned by selfishness and pride? Only Jesus can set you free in and out.
On the flip side, someone said, that the beginning is always the hardest. Don’t give up. Work for a cause not for applause. Live life to express not to impress. Don’t stop doing the best just because someone doesn’t give you credit. If you feel like losing everything, remember that the trees lose their leaves every year and they still stand tall waiting for better days to come. You change the world by example not by opinion. Never be afraid to try something new, because life gets boring when you stay within the limits of what you already know. No matter how things look right now, know that God is still in control of your life. Stay in peace and believe that He will always be with you in all directions. God’s plan will always be greater than all your disappointments. God will wreck your plans when he sees that your plans are about to wreck you. Amen on that folks!! St. Faustina wrote Jesus’ words; “Let them approach the sea of mercy with great trust. (Diary 1520). Pray the Divine Mercy every 3 pm. daily pray the Chaplet of Mercy and the Holy Rosary for peace in our families and in the world.