Pray for prophets of our own day and age

Pray for prophets of our own day and age
 
Today's gospel reading (Luke 9:7-9) reminds me of how ruthless leaders create their own hell. This hell is peopled by the ghosts of opponents whom they have put down or eliminated. No wonder they often slip into the twilight of a peculiar type of dementia where even their own shadows conjure up images that haunt them and drive them crazy. This is the case of Herod the tetrarch, a client ruler carrying out the dictates of the powers that be in Rome. A public oath bound him to get rid of one who fascinated him, John the Baptist. And now he hears of Jesus, the man from Nazareth. It arouses puzzlement and deep annoyance. Those whom he consults only conjure up ghosts of the past, like John or one of the ancient prophets. The text says he is anxious to see Jesus. Is he seeking relief from his nightmares or evidence that this is indeed someone else to be feared and eliminated? As I said at the beginning of this reflection, Herod reminds me of ruthless leaders, even in our own day and age. But Herod reminds me more of those who have the courage to stand up to them, prophets of our own age who follow in the way of Jesus, prophets who are beacons of light to those who suffer under the deceitful rule of brutal tyrants. Please pray for these remarkable people who continue to speak truth to power even at the risk of their own lives.
 
Tom Rouse