Elevation of the Holy Cross Eastern Orthodox Church

The PROPHETS of the Old Testament were divinely inspired preachers. Their vocation was not centered on foretelling the future, but rather on emphasizing the holiness of God, criticizing the moral decadence of their times and teaching a way of life that was more-pleasing to the Lord.

On this morning's Church Bulletin, the Prophet Micah is depicted. Micah lived in the 8th century B.C. He is viewed by the Church as one of the twelve minor prophets. Micah lived in the province of Judah, being a contemporary of other famous prophets, namely, Isaiah, Amos and Hosea. From his writings, we can clearly see that the quiet countryside region that was home to him was infected with the same sins that plagued the urban areas of the kingdom of Israel. Micah strongly denounces the rulers and priests of the Hebrew nation, deploring their dishonesty and their exploitation of the poor. He foretells the wrath of God falling upon Samaria and Jerusalem because of the prevailing wickedness and sinfulness that exists there.

The message of the Prophet Micah, however, is not without hope. He also speaks of a glorious future for Jerusalem, where it will become the religious center of the world. Perhaps Micah's most powerful and best remembered prophecy concerns the birth of the Messiah: "BUT YOU, BETHLEHEM, IN THE LAND OF JUDAH, ARE NOT THE LEAST AMONG THE RULERS OF JUDAH; FOR OUT OF YOU SHALL COME A RULER WHO WILL SHEPHERD MY PEOPLE ISRAEL." As long as the Nativity of Christ is celebrated, the words of this humble prophet will live on!