Last week we heard about the Prophet Jonah standing up in front of the people of Nineveh and telling them that they ought to reform their lives – because God was not pleased with the way they were handling them! These people listened to Jonah and God did not punish them – as he had every right to do. What parent would not punish a child in some way for directly disobeying fair and reasonable rules?
Today we hear again about prophecy! Prophecy, as we use it in church does not mean "fortunetelling" or "foretelling the future" – it means rather "speaking under the inspiration of God." After Moses delivered the Ten Commandments to the people of Israel (Reading I) - that he got from God on Mt. Sinai - the people still needed God to speak to them as directly as he possibly could - so that they could listen to him and obey him the best they could.
And so God promised Moses and the people that they would always have "prophets" (speakers who spoke what he wanted them to say) when they needed them to steer them the right direction – if they freely chose to listen! He would appoint several for them in the future (Jonah would be one of them, Jeremiah, Isaiah and many others) but the greatest and last of all would be Jesus Himself who would be God's very words made into a human being – he would be the fulfillment of Prophecy!
This is what Jesus is: "God's-words-in-human form" – even having a human voice – so that He (God the Father) could be heard speaking! Yes, God the Father always wants to make sure we stay on the path that will one day lead us back home to him!
The gospel passage tells us today of the power of Jesus' presence and his words! The people of Capernaum were astounded by the way he taught (used words) with authority – and not as their teachers and scribes who did not speak out of truth and experience as Jesus could. And the unclean spirits lurking in people were also aware of his power and presence and they were caused to speak out – thus proclaiming their lack of power when he was near! He easily told them to be quiet and to come out of a man (III) – and they did, but not very quietly!
Yes, Jesus was becoming known as one who had something to offer that no one else ever had! False prophets are more concerned about their own version of truth, their own life-style, their own way of doing everything. But Jesus had
real Truth, a different kind of Life-style and the
knowledge of how "to get people to there from here" – (to heaven from this temporary valley of tears).
St. Paul always has a difficult time dealing with the Corinthians – they are such a contrary bunch! Today (II) he has to remind them to keep focused on Jesus – whether their vocation is to be a husband or a wife, or a single person – keep your eyes and ears fixed on Jesus' speaking and loving you as your best of all possible Friend – and then do what he moves you to do for others! (Now Paul does say in the reading that since married life is so hectic, it is a bit more difficult to stay Jesus-focused – but he believes that is most assuredly possible – especially if the couple remembers that God is already a part of their sacramental marriage – the Holy Spirit is always there for them).
And so – for you - this day – if you hear his voice, harden not your hearts! Let it have an effect on you! Let it change you into what God has in mind for you to be!
And then do what he has in mind for you to do! And if you get the chance tell someone you know (who might not already know it) that Jesus really can make a difference in life – he can be like a light shining in a dark place; being his friend can be like moving from a land where everything seems dead – to a place where everything is alive and friendly and peaceful!
If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts!
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