1 Kings 11:29-32,12:19
Psalm 80(81):10-15
Mark 7:31-37
With the division of the united kingdom after Solomon’s reign, the prophet Ahijah symbolizes this division by tearing his cloak into twelve pieces, giving ten to Jeroboam (forming the Northern Kingdom of Israel) while Judah and Benjamin remain under Rehoboam in the Southern Kingdom of Judah. This moment establishes a pattern in Scripture: prophets announce God’s word, and history unfolds as the fulfillment of those prophetic words.
This prophetic pattern links us to the Gospel, where Jesus heals a man who cannot hear or speak properly. While the Old Testament prophets foretold what was to come, Jesus represents the fulfillment of those prophecies. His miracles reveal God’s power bringing restoration and wholeness.
The focus then shifts to Baptism. Christians are anointed as prophets, priests, and kings, called to share in Christ’s mission. The baptismal prayers—touching the ears, eyes, and mouth—symbolize openness to God’s voice, recognition of God’s presence, and praise of God’s name. This is not about physical healing, but about spiritual mission.
Finally, as baptized believers, we are prophets of hope, mercy, and the victory of the Cross. Rather than proclaiming doom, we live and announce God’s wisdom and the triumph of Christ, trusting that this victory will be fully revealed in God’s time.
Fr Joseph Osho