Popular Prophet

The image of the wise seer who is popular among the people is not what the Roman Catholic Lectionary for today, the Memorial of Saint John of the Cross, presents. Balaam from the Hebrew Scriptures was one who had developed the “third eye” of spiritual enlightenment. This ability to see clearly the Presence of God in the events surrounding his life did not win him popularity among the people to whom he spoke. John the Baptist and Jesus who are present to us in Advent have their authority and prophetic work questioned. The Baptismal anointing of Christians is as priest, prophet and king. Our journey may lead us to prophetic understanding and clear sight however it would seem to require humility and the desire to be free of the need for popularity.