Although the formal period of prophecy is said to have ended with John the Baptist, God’s claim to Jeremiah that he constantly sends his servants the prophets still holds true in our own time. Our problem is that we don’t recognize the voices of prophecy sounding in the course of every day calling us to repentance and the fullness of life. This is especially true of those voices of the Spirit that speak through a difficult and trying brother or sister who manages to bring out the worst in us; or through those habitual humiliating sins and weaknesses that proclaim to us our present lack of wholeness. And yet if we are humble and open, these can be invaluable prophets revealing what ails us and calling us back to God in whom alone we will find healing for our wounded, restless, and unhappy hearts. Therefore, let us heed Jesus’ warning and not disparage or reject these daily voices of prophecy through which the Spirit calls out to us. For, although their message may initially seem to wound our hearts, this is but the prelude to healing and new life.
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