When we hear from the prophets they are usually doing one of two things: they are either fussing with the people telling them to shape up or consoling the people when things seem dire. A mantra meant for journalists fits the role of prophet: to comfort the afflicted and to afflict the comfortable. Jeremiah fulfills this definition of a prophet with a capital P. However, Jeremiah does something additional: he fulfills the role of a priest by lifting up the people in prayer. For your name’s sake spurn us not, disgrace not the throne of your glory. That Jeremiah undertakes this priestly function is not a surprise since the Bible stresses that he was from a priestly family. He knew priests were to pray for the people. All of which remind us that at our baptism all Christians are anointed priest, prophet and royalty. As baptized people we have the vocations of bringing the needs of the world up to the throne of grace.
JULY282026
By Church Staff
