They learned to live and work together in this new home, and became aware of God s relationship to them. On a diet of gofio, the Palmeros survived on their island, began to share their resources, and found a new food for their children. Reflecting on the Gospel, I see Jesus waking up to a wider need for healing and forgiveness. I think it took time for Jesus to see clearly and claim publicly God s call on his life. The insistent, focused need of the Canaanite woman helped with that process.
Prophets grow in stature as people respond to their message.
It is Seekers, then, who make prophets, and the initiative of any one of us in searching for and responding to the voice of contemporary prophets may mark the turning point in their growth and service. In the presence of a responsive community, Jesus grew into the call God had given him. We, too, have the opportunity for the focus that invites mindfulness. This is the goal of our spiritual practices, as individuals and as a community. As individuals, we sit with our hungers to discern God s call.