Prophets vs. Profits

Gospel: Matthew 7: 15-20

The modern prophet in Christianity seems to have a vast media empire or fairly profitable cottage industry.  He seems to be aligned with political and financial powers, often espousing messages designed to malign the poor, vulnerable, and marginalized.  The alleged prophetic message is often curiously aligned with the platform of the aforementioned political allegiances to which the alleged prophet has wed himself.  

Before Jesus began his public ministry he went into the desert to fast and to confront the devil who promised him fame, worldly power and riches, and the comforts of the world.  Jesus rejected all these things.  In keeping with the prophetic tradition of Israel, Jesus defended the poor and marginalized and preached a message unpopular with the political and religious institutions of his day.  The mission and reward of a prophet is one of difficulty, exile, persecution, and often execution.  

It is not difficult to discern the true prophet from a false one.  False prophets only seek profit for themselves.  The authentic prophet stands in the tradition of Jesus, challenging the powers of the world and defending the needy and vulnerable.  The false prophet measures fruits in terms of followers and financial statements.  The true prophet sees fruits in how many have received mercy and care.