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| Spirituality |
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| September 18, 2003 Edition |
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In a Nutshell
In ancient Israel, prophets challenged people to examine their conscience and conduct, and offered the community a vision.
"Prophet" means spokesperson, someone who delivers God's message here and now based on people's precise needs. A prophet sometimes rebukes, other times consoles.
The church's institutional and prophetic dimensions have the same goal. They are not opposed but are meant to exist in dynamic tension.
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The Prophet's Challenge
By John Hart
Catholic News Service
People and nations satisfied with their way of life are not receptive to individuals who challenge the political, religious or economic status quo. The critical analyses that prophets offer of historical conditions often are derided or dismissed as doom-and-gloom rantings or as envious ravings by a discontented few.
Calls by prophets for a better society or better world may get classified as "utopian" in a negative sense -- fantasies incapable of being realized -- rather than "utopian" in a positive sense -- realistic challenges and proposals to change society so that all people might share common goods and benefit from community-based social structures.
full story
Institutional and Prophetic at the Same Time
By Marcellino D'Ambrosio
Catholic News Service
Cold, impersonal, static, reactionary, oppressive. These are impressions the word "institution" often gives, especially when applied to the church. Multitudes declare that they believe in God but despise "organized religion." Faith, they say, is about personal relationship, not institutions.
Let's use an analogy to examine this idea. Marriage is undoubtedly about personal relationship. First bride and bridegroom. Then often parent-child. But it is also called "the institution of marriage." Why?
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One Community's Prophetic Stance
By Dan Luby
Catholic News Service
It was 1971, and all over the country the legalized injustice of segregation was crumbling beneath the weight of the civil rights movement. My city had avoided the worst of the open racial conflict that enflamed other parts of the country, but an ugly hostility simmered beneath the surface.
When the inevitable call came to integrate public schools, generations worth of festering prejudice burst forth in the phenomenon known as "white flight."
full story
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Faith in the Marketplace
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This Week's Discussion Point:
Where -- in what area of concern -- would you most like the church's prophetic message of hope or love to be heard?
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Selected Response From Readers:
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Copyright © 2003 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
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This week's readings
Week of September 21 - 27
Sunday, Sept. 21, 2003
Reading I: Wis 2:12, 17-20
Reading II: Jas 3:16--4:3
Gospel: Mk 9:30-37
Monday, Sept. 22, 2003
Reading I: Ezr 1:1-6
Gospel: Lk 8:16-18
Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2003
Reading I: Ezr 6:7-8, 12b, 14-20
Gospel: Lk 8:19-21
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Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2003
Reading I: Ezr 9:5-9
Gospel: Lk 9:1-6
Thursday, Sept. 25, 2003
Reading I: Hg 1:1-8
Gospel: Lk 9:7-9
Friday, Sept. 26, 2003
Reading I: Hg 2:1-9
Gospel: Lk 9:18-22
Saturday, Sept. 27, 2003
Reading I: Zec 2:5-9, 14-15a
Gospel: Lk 9:43b-45
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Pope's Prayer Intentions
September General Intention
The countries suffering because of war, terrorism, and violence: That these countries may find the way of reconciliation, concern, and peace.
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September Mission Intention
The Christian communities of Central Asia: That those who dwell among other religious traditions may be committed to spreading the Good News of the Kingdom through their faith.
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Phone: 608-821-3070 Fax: 608-821-3071 E-Mail: info@madisoncatholicherald.org
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