Great reflection on prophesy by Fr. Tom Rosica

Here's an excerpt. Read the rest over at the Salt and Light TV Blog.

Jeremiah, despondent because of his unrelieved message of woe to the people he loved would stifle the word: ‘If I say, “I will not mention him, or speak any more in his name,” there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with holding it in, I cannot’ [Jeremiah 20:9]. Whatever the form of the message, the true Israelite prophet’s vision of God has permeated the manner of his thoughts so that he sees things from God’s point of view and is convinced that he so sees them. Fundamental to the mission of the prophet is obedience to God’s Word.

Would that all the LORD’s people were prophets!

In Sunday’s first reading from Numbers [11:25-29], God sent the spirit of prophecy upon others who took Moses by surprise. Moses had earlier complained to God that he could not provide for Israel in the desert all by himself. To alleviate the situation, God promised to confer Moses’ prophetic spirit on seventy elders. Even though Eldad and Medad were not present in the camp when God conferred Moses’ spirit, they still received the gift and began to prophesy.

When Moses’ aide, Joshua, wished to squelch the so-called rebellion against authority, Moses replies: “Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the Lord’s people were prophets, and that the LORD would put his spirit on them!” [Num. 11:29]. Moses is pleased that the spirit of prophecy is shared with those not immediately present in the first commissioning of the elders. Joshua is upbraided for his jealousy. Spiritual authority can lead to serious abuses. It must be handled carefully, humbly, and justly. The lesson is that God’s ability to share the spirit is not restricted. God is the measure.