“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you…”
Jesus laments over those who reject the prophets, yet continues to love them. I must ask myself whether my own prophetic witness reflects that same love, even toward those with whom I disagree.
Meditatio
Today, as I await at The Glenn written confirmation of my status regarding ministry in the Diocese of Amarillo, I reflect on my baptismal calling to share in Christ’s mission as priest, prophet and king. The prophets were not primarily predictors of the future, but witnesses to God’s truth. Through Baptism, I too am called to proclaim that truth in love.
In the second paragraph of Bishop Zurek’s 2019 pastoral letter, A Reflection on Christian Life, he refers to accusations against himself, the Rector and the associate Rector as coming from “a few” restless souls. Yesterday I acknowledged being among those few, and I remain restless. I did make accusations concerning Bishop Zurek and Msgr. Colwell, but not Father Roy. That distinction matters because truth requires accuracy.
But were my accusations prophetic? The prophets of Scripture exposed wrongdoing, called for repentance and sought justice. Yet an accusation becomes prophetic only when grounded in truth and motivated by love rather than malice. I must examine whether my words drew strength from the Lord or merely from my own indignation.
As I continue reflecting on Bishop Zurek’s letter, I hope to discern whether my conscience was properly formed then and remains so today. I also hope those responsible for determining my status will consider the truth and intentions behind my actions. Jesus loved Jerusalem even as he lamented its rejection of the prophets. Can I demonstrate that same love toward the Church, including those whose decisions have wounded me?
Oratio
Lord Jesus, you called me through Baptism to share in your prophetic mission. Give me the courage of the prophets without their rejection becoming a source of pride. Purify my conscience, correct my errors and strengthen my love for your Church. Let every accusation I make serve truth, justice and reconciliation rather than resentment. Amen.
Contemplatio
Paragraph 149 of Magnifica humanitas reminds me that work expresses human dignity and contributes to maturity and personal fulfilment. Here at The Glenn, my daily labor caring for the land and its creatures gives purpose to my life. Yet my baptismal vocation also calls me to the work of the prophets: witnessing to truth and defending human dignity.
That work cannot be reduced to holding an official Church ministry. Nor does my baptismal calling make every accusation I utter prophetic. True prophets must remain accountable to truth, charity and the common good. Perhaps the most difficult work before me is allowing love to shape my conscience while remaining open to correction, even as I seek justice.
Actio
Today I will continue examining Bishop Zurek’s pastoral letter alongside my own words and actions. In the spirit of synodality, I will seek honest dialogue rather than confrontation for its own sake. Inspired by Laudato Si’, I will continue my daily work at The Glenn, remembering that protecting God’s creation and defending human dignity are both expressions of prophetic love.
Song Pairing
“We Shall Be Free” — Garth Brooks. Beginning with the declaration that its message is not coming from a prophet, this song challenges me to consider whether the call for justice, freedom and love is itself a form of prophetic witness.
Movie Pairing
A Man for All Seasons (1966). Thomas More’s struggle between conscience and authority reminds me that fidelity to truth requires courage, humility and a willingness to examine the motives behind my convictions.
Poetic Reflection
The prophets spoke, the powerful frowned,
Yet still God's truth could not be bound.
But if my words are born of pride,
Let love and mercy be my guide.
At The Glenn I wait, my conscience still,
To know more clearly God's own will.
For prophets do not speak to win,
But call God's wandering children in.
