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Understanding Our Catholic Faith

How We Witness to Christ: The Promised One

The Promised One
 

I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them; and I will bless them and multiply them, and will set my sanctuary among them forevermore.
Ezekiel 37:26

God's Messengers

Prophets were an important voice in Israel at a very difficult time. At one point the people were tempted to abandon the covenant. Later, their leaders were in exile. When the people experienced such hardships, they found it difficult to keep their focus on the one true God. God called forth prophets to admonish the Israelites to return to him.

Elijah was an important and highly regarded prophet. His prophetic messages called for a complete conversion, or change of heart. Elijah and the other prophets showed great courage in speaking out, and their enemies often ridiculed, criticized, or punished them; yet the prophets steadfastly continued preaching God's word. They knew that whether or not the people listened, God would be faithful to the promises of the covenant he had made with his people.

The Promised Messiah

The words of the prophets—and the covenant itself—were fulfilled by the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Ezekiel proclaimed that the Messiah would come and pour out a new spirit and life upon the people. (See Ezekiel 37:5.) Jesus began his public ministry by speaking to the Temple teachers and saying "The spirit of the Lord is upon me...." (See Luke 4:18-19.) At last the promised one had come.

Reflect

  • When have you felt that the Spirit was with you?
  • In what ways do you experience Jesus as a Messiah in your own life?
  • How would you describe the "new spirit" that Jesus brought to the world?

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, Open me to the newness of your spirit in my own heart. Amen.