The prophets were not just voices of condemnation; they were seekers of truth who struggled with what they saw. They began with anger, confronting the corruption and injustice of their time, but they did not remain there. Their journey led them to a deeper understanding—not just of human failure but of human suffering. Sin is not merely wrongdoing; it is pain, addiction, and disconnection. When we recognize this, we move from judgment to compassion. Eventually, the prophet stops standing above, apart from, or superior to reality and enters into solidarity with human suffering and human sinfulness. The prophets learned this through experience, and so must we. True transformation happens when we stop placing ourselves above others and enter into solidarity with human struggle. Only then do we begin to reflect the patience, forgiveness, and love that has been extended to us.
May we let go of superiority,
stand in solidarity with all who suffer,
and grow in patience, forgiveness, and love.
(inspired by Richard Rohr, The Tears of Things; The Path of the Prophet)