20th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME C
SHUT UP OR SHOUT OUT?
A teacher took to social media to
draw attention to a special situation in her school.
Instead of having a proper
faculty room for teachers,
to prepare their notes, eat, rest,
meet with parents, and consult with students,
this netizen posted where she and
her fellow teachers now hang out
… in abandoned toilets of their
public school.
Was her campaign successful?
Embarrassed school officials
berated her
for using “dramatic” and “moving”
photos to win the sympathy of others.
They threatened her with
disciplinary actions for shaming the school officials.
Instead of fixing the problem,
the teacher is now the thorn in the side of her bosses.
People always considered the prophet
a rabble-rouser, a trouble-maker – look at Jeremiah.
He didn’t titillate the crowds, nor tell them what they
wanted to hear.
Instead he proclaimed the message
of the Lord, however disturbing it might be.
He was not afraid to call fakes and pretenders
those who thought that faith was
about external practice,
and not about a real change of heart,
of character, of nature.
Jeremiah disturbed consciences,
both of the people and the king.
In turn, they hated him and
wanted him dead.
The Lord Jesus was more than a
Jeremiah.
He made it clear that to follow
him
would mean breaking out of ranks
from one’s personal loyalties.
His message was not about rest or
comfort but a jolt and a shock.
… like fire that causes panic,
… like arguments that separate
people from each other.
Jesus’ message intends to disturb
and agitate,
To force people to come to a
decision for God and for a holy life.
How do you respond to the
prophets you meet in your life?
Do you avoid people who deliver
messages that make you uncomfortable?
Do you hate it when people tell
you what is right?
Do you tone down the words of the
Bible you don’t agree with?
Do you hate people who point out
to you your wrong actions?
Do you try to silence opposition
and criticism to your way of life?
Prophets are uncomfortable companions.
When you listen to them they will
force you to think hard.
They will challenge you to take
the narrow road.
In the end however, they will
bring you close to Christ.
Thank God for the prophets of
today:
The whistle blower who risks
everything to tell the truth,
The bishop who endangers his life
for denouncing senseless killings,
The employee who would not take a
bribe,
The parent who exercises tough
love to guide her child away from error.
The priest who preaches from God’s
Word and from people’s experiences.
Do not shut down the prophet!
Let him speak.
Let him shout.
Let him lead the world to
salvation!
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