21 February 2005

We start a new adventure with Walter Brueggemann in "The Prophetic Imagination."

...my governing hypothesis is that the alternative prophetic community is concerned both with criticizing and energizing. On the one hand, it is to show that that dominant consciousness (which I have termed 'royal') will indeed end and that it has no final claim upon us. On the other hand, it is the task of the alternative prophetic community to present an alternative consciousness that can energize the community to fresh forms of faithfulness and vitality.

This kind of prophetic community demands discipline. The discipline means that we must always be watching who we are becoming and be able to rise up a speak a word of truth that may pierce us like a sharp blade or pull us into a whole new life that we have yet to experience. Brueggemann also writes that "It is the task of prophetic imagination and ministry to bring people to engage the promise of newness that is at work in our history with God." We must demand from one another that we keep our eyes open and our ears tuned to the movements of the day so that we will not simply go along with what is. When we do that...when we stay tuned to the prophetic word and simultaneously keep a critical eye on our context, we will be involved in a ministry and mission that is truly energizing because it will demand our whole life. Nothing can be more empowering for us than to have lives that are full of worth and in that full of the need to see the worth of others.

Connection: Even though conversation can be difficult when we need to face the truth of the day, it is absolutely necessary for the well being of everyone. What we need today is the strength to enter into a critical conversation about the word of God that comes from the prophets and how it is a word that needs to be heard among us.

Comforting Lord, you abide with us and in the midst of all we are, you embrace us and remind us to turn and embrace the world around us with the love and justice and mercy that are foundational to your blessed Reign. Encourage us Lord. Amen.