The mystery of the Incarnation of Jesus Christ involves more than his birth from Mary and the incidents of his infancy, so beautifully described in the gospels, especially in the Gospel of Luke. He became flesh and dwelt among us.
He entered the company of the prophets. In our readings for the past few days of Advent Jesus describes his place with Isaiah, Elijah and John the Baptist. It was a relationship the people of his day saw. “Who do people say I am?” Jesus asked his disciples. “They replied, ‘Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’” (Matthew 13;14) In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus describes his mission in the synagogue at Nazareth through words from the Prophet Isaiah.
Coming among us, the Son of God entered the company of the prophets and accepted a role among them. Like Isaiah and Elijah he spoke to the secular powers of his day; like John the Baptist he confronted the religious powers. He became a voice for the poor and the exiled; he cured illness of every kind.
Jesus never distanced himself the efforts of the prophets. Rather, he claimed to fulfill their promises and hopes. He saw himself as part of their company. He dwelt among them.
For that reason, we read the prophets and recognize the way their writings have shaped the gospels and our liturgy. It’s also the reason why we listen for prophetic voices in our world today, wherever we find them. They’re one with the voice of Christ.
The company of prophets praises you, O Lord.
The Victor's Place 
Amen.
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Dear Father Victor, We love you, you are amazing! Thank you for your powerful reflection! I would like to share the words of Pope Francis that remind me of your example and testimony: “…prophecy is born whenever we allow ourselves to be challenged by God, not when we are concerned to keep everything quiet and under control. When the Gospel overturns certainties, prophecy arises. Only someone who is open to God’s surprises can become a prophet….We need lives that manifest the miracle of the love of God. Not forcefulness, but forthrightness. Not palaver, but prayer. Not speeches, but service. You want a prophetic church? Then begin to serve and stop talking. Not theory, but testimony.”
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Great quote from Pope Francis.He stands with the prophets too.
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Thank God for the prophets of old and the prophets of today.
From Pope’s quote: “stop talking and start serving” could be rephrased “stop complaining and do somethng to make a difference.” May love cast out fear so that I will be the prophet God calls me to be.
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