“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good tidings to the afflicted; he has sent me to bind up the broken hearted, and to proclaim liberty of captives, and
the opening of the prison to those who are bound.” Lk 4:18-19.
“Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith.” Rom 12:6.
“You are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets.” Eph 2:19-20.
“In many and various ways God spoke of old to our fathers by the prophets; but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son,” Heb 1: 1-2.
“We have the prophetic word made more sure; you will do well to pay attention to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place.” 2 Peter 1:19.
“Blessed is he who reads aloud the words of the prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written there.” Rev 1:3.
“Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” Rev 19:10
“God willed that exterior proofs of revelation, especially miracles and prophecies, should be joined to the interior helps of the Holy Spirit; as they manifestly display the omnipotence and infinite knowledge of God.” First Vatican Council, 1870.
“I recognize the exterior proofs of revelation, that is to say, divine works, mainly miracles and prophecies, as sure signs of the divine origin of the Christian religion and I hold that they are well adapted to the understanding of all ages and of all people, also those of the present time.”
Pope Pius X, Against Modernism.
“Through the prophets, God forms his people in the hope of salvation, in the expectation of a new and everlasting Covenant intended for all, to be written on their hearts. The prophets proclaim a radical redemption of the People of God, a salvation which will include all nations.” CCC 64.
“Thanks to the prophets Israel understood that it was again out of love thee God never stopped saving them and pardoning their unfaithfulness and sins.”CCC 218.
“ In Israel those consecrated to God for a mission were anointed in his name. This was the case for kings, for priests, prophets, and also for the Messiah whom God would send to inaugurate his kingdom. It was necessary that the Messiah be anointed by the Spirit of the Lord at once as king and priest and prophet.” CCC 436.
Prophecy
Prophecy is speaking in the name of God and under the power of the Holy Spirit. As a spiritual gift, prophecy is rooted in a close and personal relationship with Jesus so that the prophet hears and repeats what is given in prayer. A strong sacramental life is essential for the listening and repeating of what is said. Prophecy can be given for a person or group. The community leaders make sure it is authentic and always test prophecy. Prophecy need not be shared until it is verified. Young and old, men and women can give prophetic words.
Questions to share
- Which passage touches you or burns in your heart the most? Why?
- How have you exercised this gift in the past?
- How are you now exercising this gift in ministry?
- Do you see new ways you can exercise this ministry in the future?