Prophets for Life

Today’s readings speak to us of two great prophets, Isaiah and John the Baptist. We tend to think of a prophet as someone who predicts the future. Yet the role of a true prophet of God is to speak the word of God to the world right now. The message might concern the future, but more importantly it concerns what God is saying to us right now. Everyone who is baptized has received the call to be a prophet, to speak on behalf of God. This homily was given to a church filled with young people preparing for the March for Life this week. They are prophets, speaking for God and speaking for those who cannot speak.

As we celebrate Martin Luther King Day tomorrow, I am reminded of the prophetic gathering in Washington 50 years ago for the famous “I have a dream speech.” I remember seeing the pictures growing up of the national mall covered with people. Coming to my first March for Life 14 years ago, I felt that this was my generation’s chance for a moment like that, to be prophets. The media doesn’t give much coverage to the March for Life, but the truth is that there are twice as many people in Washington for the March for Life as were in Washington 50 years ago…and this event happens not once, but every year!

It’s not easy being a prophet. Yet, I don’t suspect that John the Baptist spent much time worrying about how successful he was on worldly standards. He had his mission and he did it. May God bless all the modern day prophets who this week pray and march for life. Safe travels, and may more and more of the baptized find the the courage to be prophets of God, prophets for life.