Who are the prophets of our times? Are they not those who can read the signs of the times and
relate what is happening now to the eternal truths that are always basic. They call us to reach out
to the needs of all of humanity and express these truths in new ways that speak with relevance to
people today. Who are today’s prophets? Do not all of us share in a prophetic role? At our
baptism we received the charisms of being priest, prophet, and king. Each of us has our own
truth to share. It becomes wisdom when we reflect on our experience and how God has worked
in our lives. In dialog with others in the community and with the universal Church we become a
Church that is alive and can give direction and attract others to join us in our quest to bring about
the kingdom of God.
Pope Francis has initiated a process called synodality in which all members could express what is
important and needed in the Church today. Groups from around the world were asked to
contribute. These contributions were expressed in a working paper which was reflected on at
meetings in Rome and will be finalized and given to the Pope at the synod which will meet this
fall. This process was not meant to change doctrine but to express it in new ways that help meet
the needs of people today.
Pope Francis is calling us to an adult faith that goes beyond the old saying that the role of the
laity is simply to pray, pay and obey. Acknowledging our prophetic role brings about a new level
of maturity.
- Are you aware of the charism given to you at your baptism?
- Do you feel the role of the laity goes beyond the saying, “pray, pay and obey?”
- How do you express your thoughts about the Church?
O God, give me an understanding of how to activate my prophetic charism.