Prophetic Powers

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to reflect on our understanding of the gift of prophecy in our tradition and in our relationship with others.

Place of the Prophets

The Reading from the Book of Sirach expresses the importance of Jewish heroes to subjects of Greek culture. 

* [48:11] Verse 11b is not extant in the Hebrew; it is represented in the Greek tradition by “for we too shall certainly live.” But this can hardly be the original reading. (“Sirach, CHAPTER 48 | USCCB,” n.d.)

Psalm 80 is a lament in time of military defeat.

* [Psalm 80] A community lament in time of military defeat. Using the familiar image of Israel as a vineyard, the people complain that God has broken down the wall protecting the once splendid vine brought from Egypt (Ps 80:9–14). They pray that God will again turn to them and use the Davidic king to lead them to victory (Ps 80:15–19). (“Psalms, PSALM 80 | USCCB,” n.d.)

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus addresses the Coming of Elijah.

* [17:9–13] In response to the disciples’ question about the expected return of Elijah, Jesus interprets the mission of the Baptist as the fulfillment of that expectation. But that was not suspected by those who opposed and finally killed him, and Jesus predicts a similar fate for himself.

* [17:9] The vision: Matthew alone uses this word to describe the transfiguration. Until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead: only in the light of Jesus’ resurrection can the meaning of his life and mission be truly understood; until then no testimony to the vision will lead people to faith.

* [17:10] See notes on Mt 3:4; 16:14.

* [17:11–12] The preceding question and this answer may reflect later controversy with Jews who objected to the Christian claims for Jesus that Elijah had not yet come.

* [17:13] See Mt 11:14. (“Matthew, CHAPTER 17 | USCCB,” n.d.)

Suzanne Braddock comments that Jesus patiently, lovingly prepares her for the reality of necessary suffering, times of his seeming absence, the necessary hardships of life. The desert. Yet she still clings to the memory of the blessing of his presence and does not surrender totally to the times of darkness, but rather hopes in the remembrance of his triumph, his resurrection, his promises be with her always.

God’s promise to sing for me as one sings at festivals, to tenderly place me at his cheek as one does a child, to write my name on the palm of his hand. Yes, there will be suffering, but I cling to him and hope that eventually the clouds will part and reveal him. I will know him as he is.

How often I fail to recognize Jesus in the people I was raised to turn away from, in the crosses of my life, in the invitations to give of my time, talent, such as it is, my treasure. I fail to recognize him in the times of darkness and his seeming absence.

Maybe that darkness is but the shadow cast by his total closeness, like the hen who gathers her chicks in the shadow of her wings. (Braddock, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “John fulfills Elijah's prophetic ministry,” by John Chrysostom, 547-407 A.D.

"They did not know this from the Scriptures, but the scribes used to tell them, and this saying was reported among the ignorant crowd, as also about Christ. Therefore the Samaritan woman also said, 'The Messiah is coming; when he comes, he will show us all things' (John 4:25). And they themselves asked John, 'Are you Elijah or the prophet?' (John 1:21). For this opinion was strong, as I said, both the one about Christ and the one about Elijah, but they did not interpret it as it should have been. For the Scriptures speak of two comings of Christ, both this one that has taken place and the future one. Paul spoke of these when he said, 'For the grace of God has appeared for the salvation of men, training us to renounce irreligion and worldly passions, and to live sober, upright and godly lives in this world' (Titus 2:11-12).

"Behold the first advent, and listen to how he declares the coming advent: 'Awaiting our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ' (Titus 2:13). The prophets also mention both advents; of the one that is second they say that Elijah will be the forerunner; John was forerunner of the first, John whom Christ also called by the name Elijah, not because he was Elijah but because he was fulfilling Elijah's ministry. For just as Elijah will be the forerunner of the second advent, so John was of the first. But the scribes, confusing these things and perverting the people, mentioned that coming alone, the second one, to the people, and said, 'If this is the Christ, Elijah ought to have come first.' That is why the disciples also say, 'Then why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?'" (excerpt from THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 57.1) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Matthew 17:9-13 comments that John told the people to be alert because a new outpouring was on the horizon. But he didn’t just alert them; he sought to prepare them for it. It’s one thing to pay attention to the signs pointing to Jesus’ arrival. But it was another thing altogether to humble themselves and to repent so that they could be ready to receive him when he came.

How are you preparing for the coming of the Messiah? And not just for the child Jesus’ coming on Christmas, but for the Lord Jesus’ coming into your heart today? Every day can be a day of grace. Every day can bring a new outpouring of the Spirit: a new outpouring of forgiveness, perhaps, or a fresh awareness of God’s love or a renewed sense of purpose and mission. This is why daily prayer is so important. So come humbly before the Lord today—and every day—and listen for his Spirit’s voice. It’s the best way to “prepare the way of the Lord!”

“Lord, help me open my heart to your grace today!” (“Meditation on Matthew 17:9-13,” 2025)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that Sirach, one of the last Hebrew Testament texts, declares Jewish heroes as great as Greek heroes. The conquering Greeks were pushing Hellenistic ideas and Sirach responded by recalling a series of Jewish heroes including Elijah who called a drought upon Israel reflecting the principle of “as the sin, so the punishment.” And Elijah brought down fire and was carried to the heavens in a fiery chariot. Friar Jude notes that Jesus speaks of the Baptist as the new Elijah who does as promised by Elijah, bring families back together.

Fr. Mike Schmitz outlines Paul’s trial before King Agrippa and his efforts to use his conversion story to convert those hearing his case. He also leads us through the first half of Ephesians, emphasizing Paul’s main theme of unity in the spirit. Today’s readings are from Acts 26, Ephesians 1-3, and Proverbs 29:18-21.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces James Finley and Mirabai Starr who read “Song of the Soul” or “Noche Oscura” by John of the Cross. He invites us to use the links below to listen or to read this poem shared in both English and Spanish and follow these simple instructions for lectio or audio divina.

Listen or read the first time and allow the sound and images of the poem to wash over you.

Listen or read a second time and allow your attention to be drawn to a word or phrase. Let it speak to you. Pray to God or journal about what it might mean to you.

Listen or read a third time. Sit in silence with God for as long as you feel drawn. (Rohr, n.d.)

We ponder the description “as the sin so the punishment” credited to Elijah and seek enlightenment of the Spirit to reveal action to avoid sin and the related punishment.

References

Braddock, S. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved December 13, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-december-13-2025 

Matthew, CHAPTER 17 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved December 13, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/17?9 

Meditation on Matthew 17:9-13. (2025, December 13). Word Among Us. https://wau.org/meditations/2025/12/13/1444943/ 

Psalms, PSALM 80 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved December 13, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/80?2 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved December 13, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/the-hidden-work-of-grace-weekly-summary/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Elijah Must First Come. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved December 13, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Sirach, CHAPTER 48 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved December 13, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/sirach/48?1 

Beyond Knowledge

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today alert us to the conflict between our desire for self aggrandizement and satisfaction of desires and exercise of the gifts of the Spirit through our Baptism as priest, prophet and leader.

Open our Ears and Tongue

The reading from Genesis describes the First Sin and Its Punishment.

* [3:1] Cunning: there is a play on the words for “naked” (2:25) and “cunning/wise” (Heb. ‘arum). The couple seek to be “wise” but end up knowing that they are “naked.”

* [3:5] Like gods, who know: or “like God who knows.”

* [3:8] The breezy time of the day: lit., “the wind of the day.” Probably shortly before sunset. (Genesis, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 32 praises the Joy of Forgiveness.

* [Psalm 32] An individual thanksgiving and the second of the seven Penitential Psalms (cf. Ps 6). The opening declaration—the forgiven are blessed (Ps 32:1–2)—arises from the psalmist’s own experience. At one time the psalmist was stubborn and closed, a victim of sin’s power (Ps 32:3–4), and then became open to the forgiving God (Ps 32:5–7). Sin here, as often in the Bible, is not only the personal act of rebellion against God but also the consequences of that act—frustration and waning of vitality. Having been rescued, the psalmist can teach others the joys of justice and the folly of sin (Ps 32:8–11). (Psalms, PSALM 32 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus Cures a Deaf Man.

* [7:36] The more they proclaimed it: the same verb proclaim attributed here to the crowd in relation to the miracles of Jesus is elsewhere used in Mark for the preaching of the gospel on the part of Jesus, of his disciples, and of the Christian community (Mk 1:14; 13:10; 14:9). Implied in the action of the crowd is a recognition of the salvific mission of Jesus; see note on Mt 11:5–6. (Mark, CHAPTER 7 | USCCB, n.d.)

Carol Zuegner has often heard: ”Let go and let God”. But that’s hard sometimes. God asks that we try. St. Ignatius has a prayer that fits this theme. 

Suspice (St. Ignatius of Loyola)

Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty,

My memory, my understanding and my entire will.

All I have and call my own,

You have given to me.

To you, Lord, I return it.

Everything is yours; do with it what you will.

Give me only your love and your grace.

That is enough for me. (Zuegner, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “The touch of the Lord,” by Ephrem the Syrian (306-373 AD)

"That power which may not be handled came down and clothed itself in members that may be touched, that the desperate may draw near to him, that in touching his humanity they may discern his divinity. For that speechless man the Lord healed with the fingers of his body. He put his fingers into the man's ears and touched his tongue. At that moment with fingers that may be touched, he touched the Godhead that may not be touched. Immediately this loosed the string of his tongue (Mark 7:32-37), and opened the clogged doors of his ears. For the very architect of the body itself and artificer of all flesh had come personally to him, and with his gentle voice tenderly opened up his obstructed ears. Then his mouth, which had been so closed up that it could not give birth to a word, gave birth to praise him who made its barrenness fruitful. The One who immediately had given to Adam speech without teaching, gave speech to him so that he could speak easily a language that is learned only with difficulty (Genesis 1:27-28). (excerpt from HOMILY ON OUR LORD 10.3) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Genesis 3:1-8 comments that we know what God has forbidden us to do, and we also know that these restrictions are for our own good. The Lord isn’t arbitrary; he sets boundaries for us because he loves us and wants to protect us from the negative consequences of certain actions. Yet like the man and the woman in today’s first reading, sometimes we choose to rely on our own judgment of what seems “pleasing to the eyes, and desirable” (Genesis 3:6). Often it’s only after we’ve transgressed God’s commandment that we realize what a mistake we’ve made!

Like the serpent, many voices in the world today try to convince us that we can determine for ourselves what is good or evil, what is permitted or not permitted. Let’s choose instead to listen to the voice of the One who loves us beyond anything we could ever imagine. God has only good in mind for you. Trust him to lead you in the way you should go, even when you’re tempted to eat that forbidden fruit!

“Lord, thank you for giving me boundaries that keep me safe and close to you!” (Meditation on Genesis 3:1-8, 2025)

Friar Jude Winkler connects the serpent in Genesis to the defeat of the Moabites by David at the time this passage was written. The cleverness of the temptation and the denial of severe consequences is the technique to which Eve and Adam fall victim and hide from anthropomorphic God in the Garden. Friar Jude notes the use of the healing power of bodily fluids and the acceptance of Jesus by pagans even as the Pharisees and Sadducees reject Him.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces theologian Beverly Lanzetta who writes of the universal nature of mystical longing.

In religious traditions, the word “mysticism” refers to a direct experience of Divine Presence, and to the highest levels of union with Divine Mystery. It also includes the human longing for the ultimate, and the path the soul follows toward intimacy with God. It implies that the mystical quest is intrinsic to human nature—that our souls are constituted to turn toward the divine light as a plant turns toward the sun…. The impetus of one’s entire being never rests until it rests in God. This internal movement toward divine communion—rather than our daily distraction—is the essence of spirituality. When our hearts are diverted from the quest for meaning and love, we suffer. When we experience the true longing of the soul, seeking union with the divine—we know the meaning of life itself and are illuminated by the light of peace. (Rohr, n.d.)

We reflect on the “opening of the ears and tongue” in our Baptismal liturgy and invoke the guidance of the Spirit on our journey as we hear Good News and share it with the people in our environment.

References

Genesis, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved February 14, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/genesis/3?1 

Mark, CHAPTER 7 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved February 14, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/7?31 

Meditation on Genesis 3:1-8. (2025, February 14). The Word Among Us. Retrieved February 14, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/02/14/1203598/ 

Psalms, PSALM 32 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved February 14, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/32?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). The Mystical Path. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved February 14, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/the-mystical-path/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). He Has Done All Things Well. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved February 14, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2025&date=feb14 

Zuegner, C. (n.d.). Daily Reflection Of Creighton University's Online Ministries. Creighton University's Online Ministries. Retrieved February 14, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/021425.html