Choctaw elder and retired Episcopal bishop Steven Charleston writes: We are all prophets. We are not divine messengers. We do not speak for God. We are not miracle workers or moral judges. Instead, we are … human beings living in extraordinary times. We are what the Hopi are: communities seeking a spiritual purpose to their lives. -- Fr Richard's Daily Meditation, December 28, 2023
I keep returning to prophet, as in, what does that mean? Who is a prophet? How can one tell a prophet from a spiritually inclined talker? Or a plain old blowhard?
Before reading Fr Richard this morning, I jotted down some thoughts: Prophets come in all sizes and kinds...the one whose voice a certain few hear or maybe the one least likely who has the most need to hear the Word.
No wonder I felt gobsmacked when I read Charleston's words: We are all prophets.
Being so stuck that one does not know if she qualifies as a prophet or a blowhard is a tish humbling...only a tish because, face it, that is funny.
I particularly relate to the Hopi...seeking a spiritual purpose to my life. Recently, I discovered the meaning of spiritual to me...i.e., to have a sense of peace and purpose for the benefit of others. Later I included myself in the benefit part.
To me today, spiritual means to have a sense of peace and purpose for the benefit of myself and others.
I long ago realized when I'm thinking, doing, feeling for others while ignoring my own self, my ego has a hold on me. I've driven myself into a ditch in the name of others more times than I choose to dwell on...rarely helped them but got me a boatload of humility whether I wanted it or not.
Hmmm...a boatload of humility can never do a harm. I'd best pray thank you, love and laugh before I take myself too seriously...or am I too late?
Thank you.
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