Sunday Reflection with Fr Robin Gibbons - 1 February 2015

Fr Robin Gibbons

Fourth Sunday of the Year 1 February 2015

God certainly makes news, because the media loves to pick up on religious themes, sometimes in a sympathetic way but quite frequently to critique ideas and practices of faith. Of course the more provocative the statement concerning religious matters, the better the story, especially if it generates a heated debate. In the western media this often occurs when those who challenge religions worth or place in human affairs are called upon to comment about such things as sickness, suffering and the existence of benevolent God.

I’m not suggesting this is a bad thing; those of us who are faith people need to be kept on our toes. We can be just as bad as anybody else in making God into ‘our’ own image and projecting it on the world. Look at the many problems caused by religion when belief is used as an excuse to divide people, often by claiming the moral high ground or possession of the truth. One thing that Jesus taught was respect for difference and tolerance of the other.

In Deuteronomy we find what could be called Moses last testament, words to console and encourage the People of Israel, he explains that there will be Prophets like himself to guide and help them understand God’s purposes. But of course the question has to be asked, how can we tell who is a Prophet of God, what do they actually do? We see all kinds of ‘prophetic figures’ put before us in the media, some of whom claim there is no God, others purporting to have the real message, some even kill in God’s name! They are answerable to God alone, who is the source of their authority. Because of that they may find themselves misunderstood and persecuted. Moses says if what they proclaim is found to be true they are of God, if not then they, not the people, are responsible for the mess.

Where are our prophets today?

Mark tells us that those who heard Jesus found in him God’s new authority, realised in service of others. Christians are called to share in his mission, acting when necessary, never over-reacting, never boastful, always serving the truth in love. That’s what a prophet does!

Fr Robin Gibbons is an Eastern Rite Chaplain for the Melkite Greek Catholics in Britain.