Prophets?!?!

[StTherese]

Do prophets still exist today? Like the ones mentioned in the OT? Is this the same as the gift of prophesy and what does one with this gift actually do with it?

[CatholicFlame]

Sure prophets still exist. They can hear God and sometimes speak what they have heard from Him to others so that they might come to love Jesus and others more.

What makes you ask that StTherese?

[StTherese]

Sure prophets still exist. They can hear God and sometimes speak what they have heard from Him to others so that they might come to love Jesus and others more.

What makes you ask that StTherese?
Answered your question through PM....:wave:

[Father Rick]

There were prophets in the NT specifically identified as such in scripture, and there have been many saints throughout Church history that have been recognized as prophets.

The difference between OT prophets and NT prophets is this: in the NT, any prophecy given is to be judged by the standard of pre-existing revelation (that is the canon of Scripture).

[Peaceful Dove]

There were prophets in the NT specifically identified as such in scripture, and there have been many saints throughout Church history that have been recognized as prophets.

The difference between OT prophets and NT prophets is this: in the NT, any prophecy given is to be judged by the standard of pre-existing revelation (that is the canon of Scripture).


Hey! Is that a new stole? Very nice!

[Father Rick]

Hey! Is that a new stole? Very nice!
It's actually a jewish prayer shawl-- but it's the closest thing to a stole that they have in the armory.

(btw... doesn't it make it obvious what was the origin of the modern clerical stole?)

[Peaceful Dove]

Indeed it does.
Very nice looking, too. :)

[Peaceful Dove]

Well Father Rick,
What do you think of this Sub-Forum?

I am still so excited I can hardly talk.

[CatholicFlame]

Father Rick,

When you say it is judged by the pre-existing revelation (canon of scripture) does that mean that the church isself and Her tradition is not also part of the revelation of Jesus in the New Testament?

Thank you and peace be with you

[Father Rick]

Tradition and the Canon of Scripture are interwoven and cannot be separated...

[Angeldove97]

Hi Father Rick :)
So how does one come to realize they are a prophet and getting messages from God?

[Father Rick]

Hi Father Rick :)
So how does one come to realize they are a prophet and getting messages from God?
Good question!

First, we should recognize that God desires to speak to and through each of us as believers ("My sheep know my voice and another they will not follow"). Whether we are listening to Him or not, however, is another question entirely.

We also know that scripture is clear that there are a variety of charisms listed in scripture (1 Corinthians 12-14), many of which involve some sort of "speaking" for God. Frequently people are being used in these charisms-- prophesying even-- without realizing that is what is happening. Ever been to a prayer group and just really felt impressed to pray for a certain person? Then share with the group, "I just really feel that we need to pray for so-and-so." What occurred was actually a very simple form of prophecy. God impressed on you the need to pray for the person-- then you spoke on His behalf of the need to pray for that person. Sometimes in such a situation, you may even say "I really feel God impressing me to pray for so-and-so" (although saying it came from God or not saying it came from God in no way diminishes the fact that it was God).

Other times, when counseling someone about a situation -- not necessarily formal counseling but maybe just talking with a friend about a difficult situation-- have you ever heard good godly wisdom come out of your mouth that you knew was beyond your own wisdom/ability? Sometimes it's like "wow, that was good!" Well, that is "word of wisdom"... one of the charisms listed in 1 Corinthians.

These are some of the more common methods by which the Holy Spirit speaks to/through us... scripture reveals many other methods as well, including dreams, visions, angelic visitations, etc. The method by which He is speaking is really not the issue-- rather it is the message He is speaking to/through us.

Now... how does one know if what you think you are hearing from God is really God or not? Simple... you share it with the Church for the Church to judge it. (This is how Tradition has always worked). If it is something simple... like "I feel we should pray for so-and-so"... that can be 'judged' by the local prayer group where it is being given. If it's from God, the Holy Spirit, dwelling within each of the members of the group, will confirm it to them. If it's not from God-- well, they Holy Spirit will reveal that as well. If the message is for a larger portion of the Church, then the level at which it is judged will be greater--up to the point of full Church Council if necessary. The vast majority of prophesies, however, are for a local group (or person) and never need to go outside of the local parish. If you think you may have something from God and are uncertain, just go to your parish priest and share it with him for his advice on the best way to share it with the person/group for whom it is intended.

Now, as to "being a prophet"... it is important to remember that just because someone gives a prophecy a time or two that doesn't make the person a prophet. It just means they are someone that God has used in prophecy a time or two. The difference is that a prophet is someone who is a) used in prophetic gifts on a consistent basis and b) has been matured in their walk with Christ so that their life and their message are both consistently above reproach.

A great example of a modern prophet would be Padre Pio. It is said that frequently when people came for confessions, God would reveal the person's sins to Padre Pio... and if the person left something out-- or tried to hide something-- that he would correct them and tell the person what God had shown him.

I hope this is helpful. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. I'll answer if I can.

[Peaceful Dove]

Thank you Father Rick, that was a great teaching on the gift of prophesy.

[isabella1]

Wow! THANK-YOU you Fr. Rick! You gave that explanation so well. I think I might save that for a future teaching, and a reminder to myself. :clap:

For me, sitting in front of the Blessed Sacrament in prayer, on my fasting days helped me to hear what God is asking of me that much clearer. It really confirms what I believe I was lead to do, or a personal word/dream I was given, for myself or someone else. I am pretty uneasy about just giving things out.

So thanks for the confirmation on giving it to my spiritual director first (priest), I kind of forgot about that, or the prayer group (leader).

I have something I am praying about and discerning right now, and this really helped me out. Blessings and Peace.
</IMG>:crosseo:

[Peaceful Dove]

this one too