Yesterday, you read about a powerful woman, a prophetess, Huldah by name. Her openness to Yahweh's voice changed the lives of the people of Judah. Today, we celebrate the birth of another prophet, an extraordinary spokesperson for the Son of God. John's openness to God likewise changed many lives as he spoke about one whose sandals he felt unworthy to unfasten.
Irene Nowell, OSB (Benedictine) noted that a prophet -- and a prophetess -- have a primary purpose for humanity. He/she must attune the heart and mind to the skill of LISTENING. Sister Irene noted that a prophet has to be a good listener because the role of prophet is to bring God's Word, God's will, to the people. Imagine what governments would be were leadership, like the kings and others of the Old Testament leadership, attuned to listening to the wisdom of prophets and prophetesses. Imagine how much more respect there might be for our Senators and Representative if the American people knew that these congressional leaders sought assistance in listening to the movements in their own hearts. No time for CHurch-State or ballot box or poll issues here today!
Marie Boulding, another Benedictine scripture scholar and author of Expositions of the Psalms, reported that John, according to St. Augustine, was a man of happy heart primarily because "he was constantly" listening.
As we might easily find imagining how government - and even Church - leadership might listen beyond polls and election results to the movements of God's voice speaking to them, we cannot overlook our own lives. Yes, many of us can be used by God to be prophets, spokespersons for his Word, his signals to us. We cannot be true prophets if all we do is point fingers at others.
