By Patrick Wemambu
Clerics facing insults, hardships, insecurity on account of their ministrations have been told to be courageous for the sake of Christ. Despite suffering as a result of their messages, men of God should continue speaking up against societal ills and injustices.
Rev. Fr (Dr) James Urien gave the charge Sunday during homily while celebrating Mass at the St. Paul’s Chaplaincy, Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, Delta State.
He said; “Prophet Ezekiel discovered the difficulties of being a prophet. It was a difficult time to speak for God at the beginning of the Babylonian exile. The life of the prophet is not a bed of roses as there are usually no immediate results to the prophecies. However, it is in weakness that prophets find strength. Three times St. Paul asked God to take away a thorn in his flesh. But God replied ‘my grace is sufficient for you.’” Even Jesus suffered rejection from his homeland as a prophet, the reverend gentleman recalled but admonished that rejection of the gospel news must not stop its propagation.
Analyzing the categories of clerics, Fr Urien identified professional, biblical, political, inspirational and baptismal prophets. He spoke on their messages; “The message of the prophet is about truth. The Lord gives specific messages which must be delivered. The prophet is the voice of God. Despite his humanness, he stands to represent God. The prophet proclaims unpopular truth and they are often rejected…The work of prophecy does not bring honour, comfort or recognition to the prophet. The prophet must be prepared to suffer for the sake of the gospel.”
On the challenges of prophets, the homilist regretted that they can heal others but not themselves. When prophecies do not manifest at the appointed time, frustration and bitterness may set in to engender misunderstanding of the message of God. Similarly, we are told, lack of financial autonomy, being too critical and fear of the elite class may hinder the work of prophets.
Concluding, Fr Urien advised; “Stop silencing the prophets. They have to continue the proclamation of the truth to liberate our nation. Rejection of the prophet and his message is equally rejection of God. Do not be among those who reject God’s prophets.”
