Today we hear of John the Baptist who was spoken of by Jesus as the greatest of the prophets. This calls to mind, for me, the role of prophets in the Church and society as a whole. Such people are able to read the signs of the times in such a way as to warn us of what will happy in the future if we do not change our ways. This is evident throughout the Old Testament as the prophets often scolded the kings of Israel who were intent on pleasing foreign powers rather than relying on God. Prophets as a result are often unpopular as they give a message that is unpalatable to people who have conformed themselves to the world. One example of this is the document Humanae vitae by Pope Paul VI. It was repudiated by many, however, the predictions in it turned out to be accurate. Thus, we need to test the spirits and not be carried along by the trends of the day: "For here we have no lasting city, but we are looking for the city that is to come." (Heb 13: 14) "Therefore, beloved, while you are waiting for these things , strive to be found by him at peace, without spot or blemish; and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation." (2 Peter 3: 14-15)
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