In reading the first reading and the gospel for today carefully, something struck me. I noticed that in both cases some who did not want to hear what the prophets had to say, wanted to get rid of the prophet thinking that way they would get rid of their message.

Jeremiah was able to convince the princes and all the people that he was speaking in the name of God and they realized he did not deserve to die, that what he was saying was from God. John the Baptist, on the other hand, was imprisoned, and later on, beheaded, just to make sure his message was shut down. But there came Jesus and Herod started re-living John the Baptist all over again. This made me think of two things I would like to offer for everybody’s own reflection:

1. I many times hear messages that resonate with me because I realize it might be God trying to get through to me. This might happen through Scripture, through a friend or colleague, through something I read, through my own desires and dreams, through prayer, etc. Once the seed is planted in my heart, it’s very hard to forget about it and discard it, no matter what I do to “kill the message.”
2. Sometimes it happens that I feel I should be the prophetic voice for others. And I don’t want to do it. I don’t want to risk my reputation or I might fear failure or rejection.  But I know have a responsibility that goes beyond myself. And again, no matter what I might try to do to silence this call to be prophetic, once the seed is planted…

In both cases I try to shut down God’s voice in me, either for my own growth or that of the community. I would like to invite us today to reflect on all the gifts that were given to us to share, to grow personally closer to God and also to help one another grow closer to God as a community and as a people of God. Each one of us has something to give and something to receive. God counts on each one of us!