A PREACHER PAYS
A PRICE
“… a prophet has no honor in his native place.” – John 4:44
As a Kerygma preacher, I speak about God’s unconditional love, mercy
and compassion. Everyone loves that. But there’s another side to being a
preacher. It’s about speaking God’s truth and righteousness. Otherwise,
I’m just someone who wants to be popular, speaking only what people
want to hear.
There lies the rub. In the rare moments that I speak of holiness and
righteousness, some people react, especially family and friends. “Who
are you to judge? You’re just one of us!” they’d say.
I’m just a regular guy, but it’s part of my job and my calling to say
that lying, cheating and unfaithfulness are against genuine love —
according to God’s Word and the teachings of Mother Church, not mine. A
doctor has to tell you if you’re sick — that’s his job, whether he
himself is healthy or not. Then he prescribes the cure to help you
become better. You take it or leave it.
So, there! Your own family and friends may not like it but ultimately —
preacher, prophet or not — you choose whom you want to obey, serve and
please. Alvin Barcelona (apb_ayo@yahoo.com)
Reflection:
Speak more out of love, tolerance and understanding. But discern those
critical moments when you need to be God’s prophet no matter what the
cost — if only to love more genuinely.
Dear
Lord, I, too, am Your prophet. Grant me the grace to speak of Your
hope and love, and of Your truth and righteousness. Amen.
St. Clement Mary Hofbauer, pray for us.
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