Be the prophet you are called to be

In Zechariah chapter eight we read of God saying, through the prophet, that ten people of every nationality, speaking different tongues, shall take hold, yes, take hold of every Jew by the edge of the garment and say,  "Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you."

As I read these words, I realize, I would like that to happen to me...I would like to so radiate the peace and love of Christ that people could come up to me and say, "Tell me what it is that makes you different. We can tell you have a power and tranquility in your life that is unexplainable. Share your secret with us, for we too want to experience this peace."

This is the true form a prophet should take. We should all be prophets; we should all radiate the peace and love of the Divinity. That is the goal of each believer, to radiate and live out one’s faith.

John Eudes Banberger writes the simplest realities frequently conceal the most mysterious of truths. (CSQ 45:1) We are here to reveal those truths by our simple faith. We are called to this witness. Our search for the truth isn't just for ourselves. No matter how many or how few people we touch, there are souls waiting for someone to help them find the way. They are looking for that sign, that person, that experience that enlightens them. They are waiting for that person who will reveal these secrets to them.

You be that person. You be the prophet you are called to be.

Holding On to Revealing Moments

This quote from the Dalai Lama receives lots of attention: A change of heart is always a change of mind. But what does that mean, in reality?

I suppose we all have, at one point in our lives or another, experienced some kind of change of heart. But I don't think that automatically translates into a change of mind. I think for this phrase to ring true, we need to realize WE effect the change of mind, by noting how our heart changed, why, and to what purpose. Otherwise, the change of heart will be temporary, a momentary grace, a fleeting and passing inspiration. And what could be more tragic than to experience a revealing moment in my life only to let it slip into forgetfulness? I suspect this happen to us more often than we'd like to admit.

To seize the moment of grace requires more than an awareness, though that was what I was going to say at first. But I don't believe it is enough. Somehow, we have to "own" our grace. And I think to do that successfully, we have to work at keeping that grace alive so that it doesn't slip back into the darkness. There are several ways to do this: remembrance in gratitude, continued reflection on the before and after, a vivid recollection of the moment of grace. But I think, to really keep a moment of grace alive, we have to make changes that reflect that grace; to think differently we have to act differently; to effectively keep a grace alive means taking control of the change it has effected, and making sure it continues to day two, and day three, etc.

I'd love to hear what you think, as this thought is still working itself out in my mind, and I'm sure there are others out there with better answers!