Listening to the Prophets of Our Time

Listening to the Prophets of Our Time

Reflection on Luke 11:47–54

In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks strongly against the hypocrisy of the religious leaders. He says, “Woe to you! For you build the tombs of the prophets whom your ancestors killed.” The Lord is exposing a painful truth: the same people who honor the prophets of the past are rejecting the messengers God has sent to them in the present. They decorate the tombs of holy men but ignore their message.

Jesus reminds us that faith is not about honoring God’s servants with words or monuments—it’s about listening to God’s call here and now. The religious leaders prided themselves on knowing Scripture and tradition, yet their hearts were closed to the living Word standing before them. Their pride and fear blinded them from seeing Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promises.

Brothers and sisters, we too can fall into the same trap. We may honor the saints and prophets of the past but resist the prophets of our own time—those who call us to conversion, humility, and justice. God’s voice may come through the poor, the suffering, the marginalized, or even through people we find difficult to listen to. If we close our hearts to these voices, we risk repeating history—silencing the truth God wants us to hear.

Following Christ means being open to His word, even when it challenges our comfort or exposes our pride. It means recognizing the prophets around us: those who call for peace, integrity, forgiveness, and compassion. The Spirit continues to speak through the Church, through Scripture, and through the quiet stirrings of conscience. Will we listen—or will we, like the Pharisees, build tombs for prophets we have ignored?

Let us ask the Lord for humility and courage to hear His voice in every circumstance. May we be doers of His word, not just admirers of it.

Key Takeaway:
True discipleship means not only honoring God’s messengers but also listening and responding to His voice speaking to us today through the people and events of our time.

Closing Prayer:
Lord Jesus, open our hearts to Your truth.
Help us recognize the prophets You send into our lives, especially when their message is difficult to hear.
Give us the grace to respond with humility, obedience, and faith.
May Your Word take root in us and bear fruit in love and justice.
Amen.