THE PROPHET PROPHESIED

“The Lord God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from among your own kinsmen: you shall listen to Him in everything He says to you. Anyone who does not listen to that Prophet shall be ruthlessly cut off from the people.” –Acts 3:22-23

In the early Church, many believed in the risen Christ because of the prophetic power of Jesus and His followers. Jesus was the Prophet prophesied by Moses (Acts 3:22; Dt 18:15ff). The words of the risen Christ and His witnesses “were as a flaming furnace” (Sir 48:1). Their words were like fire in their bones (Jer 23:29; 20:9), burning the hearts of those who heard them (Lk 24:32).

Because so many came to have faith in the risen Christ through prophecy, the Church believed she was founded on the prophets (Eph 2:20). On the Church’s birthday, another prophecy about prophecy came true. Sons, daughters, and even servants and handmaids received the gift of prophecy (Acts 2:17-18; Jl 3:1ff). Thus, the Church commands us in the Scriptures to be zealous for the spiritual things, above all the gift of prophecy (1 Cor 14:1).

This Easter season, receive God’s prophetic word. Pray to receive a prophetic word in the homilies at Mass. Read the Scriptures daily. Read what the Pope is preaching, teaching, and prophesying. Meet Jesus, the Prophet, Who will introduce you to Jesus risen.

PRAYER: Father, send the Spirit so that Your Word will burn in my heart (see Lk 24:32).

PROMISE: “All the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel onward, have announced the events of these days. You are the children of those prophets.” –Acts 3:24-25

PRAISE: Alleluia! Jesus is risen! “This is the day the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it” (Ps 118:24). Alleluia forever!