Guest Column / Richard Etienne

What special role have you been given from your baptism?

When a person is baptized, the priest or deacon proclaims that this individual has become priest, prophet and king. So, what could this word prophet mean in a concrete way for you and me as we go about our lives “each day,” as Luke repeatedly says in his Gospel?

A select few will be called to preach in a foreign country like the famous prophet Jonah. It is a beautiful thing when it happens, but it requires taking on great risk and total commitment and, therefore, will eliminate many from committing to this path at many stages in their lives.

Rather, I believe that most of us will be inspired to speak words as prophets to those individuals who are found much nearer to us—people whom we encounter daily in our more immediate circles of influence.

For example, are you ever struck with an urge to deliver a specific message—that you feel has been placed on your heart by God or the Holy Spirit—to a family member, a good friend, a neighbor or a co-worker?

I believe that the Holy Spirit often speaks through us as prophets if we are open to and listen for these messages.

Another example of how one might function as a prophet in daily life is relevant, especially for those of us in the latter part of life: Did you have children who once attended Catholic schools? Are there any people whom you used to see at school functions that are no longer coming to church? What if everyone who answered “yes” to these two questions contacted just one person who came to mind and told them, “I miss seeing you at church.” Now wouldn’t that be something!

Who doesn’t like to hear that they are missed? This is just one possible way that a person might speak on God’s behalf as a prophet.

In the Book of Numbers, we read:

“ … Would that all the people of the Lord were prophets! Would that the Lord might bestow his spirit on them all!” (Nm 11:29).

Additionally, in the Gospel of Mark, we hear Jesus say, “There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name who can at the same time speak ill of me.

For whoever is not against us is for us” (Mk 9:39-40).

Lastly, in the Book of Joel, we read, “… I will pour out my spirit on all mankind. Your sons and daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions” (Jl 3:1).

Embrace this powerful role as prophet which was bestowed on you at baptism! For most of us, it’s not about reaching someone far away or a total stranger in public as much as it is about speaking to those that are found closest to us.

Speak out when you know in some part of your being that the Spirit has moved you.
 

(Richard Etienne has a degree in theology from Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology in St. Meinrad and resides in Newburgh, Ind.) †