The False Prophet Hananiah!

 

18th week Monday in Ordinary Time

Year One

Num 11:4-15

Meditation

The False Prophet Hananiah!

The rabble among them had a strong craving; and the Israelites also wept again, and said, “If only we had meat to eat!  We remember the fish we used to eat in Egypt for nothing, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic; but now our strength is dried up, and there is nothing at all but this manna to look at.”( Num 11:4-6)

Israel was complaining that they have no meat, fish and other delicious in the desert. The Lord gives them meat later on. It is worth taking note of Israel simplicity of complaining to God, that they have no desired food. The complain of food is found in every part of the world and by all sorts of people. God in his goodness gave Israel meat to eat in the wilderness. God does provide delicious food to his people. We need to be grateful to God for all the blessing we receive from his mighty hand. Let us not take the blessing of the Lord for granted. While we complain to God and grumble about the lack of things and food; wait a moment and account the number of sumptuous dinners that Lord has provided. Only it is ingratitude that forgets the blessings of God.

Do we account the blessing of God in our life?

Year Two

Jer 28:1-17

The False Prophet Hananiah

Hananiah is a false prophet who makes false prophecies. He says he will break the yoke of the king of Nebuchadnezzar. As a sign, he breaks the wood yoke around Jeremiah's neck. Jeremiah wore the wooden yoke as a sign that the people of Juda would be under captivity and slavery in Babylon. Jeremiah was the true prophet of God. Prophet Jeremiah confronts the false prophet Hananiah. Every true prophet speaks of peace and the reign of God and not disaster and war. Jeremiah says the Lord is going to hang an iron yoke around the necks of people and nations and they serve the King of Babylon.

Jeremiah confronts Hananiah the false prophet and speaks the prophecies that were communicated to him. Let us speak and work for peace and kindness that builds up and unites despite our fragilities and unworthiness rather than work against the spirit of God for disunity and violence. Prophet Jeremiah was hard on the prophet Hananiah for his wrong guidance and announcing his death that very year. The Hananiah dies after seven months. Let us serve the Lord in holy fear and love.

Mt 14:13-21

And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. (Mt 14:19)

Jesus multiplies bread and fish for the hungry people. The Lord knows that the people were hungry, not only for the Word of God but also for material food. At times we plan the spiritual well-being of people entrusted to our care, but forget about their basic needs like shelter, clothing and food. Only when the essential needs are satisfied, then only one thinks of higher reality. The way to the heart is to satisfy the hunger of people. The way to take people to God is to address their basic needs of life.  The Lord was practical in the feeding people. The Lord is able to work many wonders, but he needs us. He gave thanks and broke the bread and gave to the disciples and they in turn gave to people. The Lord needs our instrumentality to work wonders.

Do I take care to satisfy the hungry?

Fr Putti Anthaiah sdb