| Preaching and Prophecy
Preaching is a function of the prophetic ministry. I use the word prophecy in its root sense (“to speak out”) rather than with the connotations of "seer" that are often associated with it. “Speaking out” implies saying the truth in a way applicable to the situation of the hearer. Sometimes this may be comforting; at other times, disturbing.
Liberation Preaching
The liberation preacher speaks out in a way true to the message and ministry of Christ the prophet. He or she aligns him or herself with the Christ who stood in the assembly and began his public ministry by identifying with the words of Isaiah: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has chosen me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, set free the oppressed and announce that the time has come when the Lord will save his people (Luke 4: 18&19).” This was the theme of Christ’s ministry and runs throughout the Gospels; it would be an omission to exercise the ministry of preaching and not, in some way, be a liberation preacher.
Liberation Preaching and the Rich
How can the liberation preacher address the rich? Social consciousness sees the problems of world oppression as a byproduct of the division of and differences between rich and poor nations or the rich or the poor in the same nation. Some preachers shun the rich, since they feel there is nothing they can say that will be heard. Others sidestep the theme of liberation altogether, presenting a diluted form of the Gospel that indeed reinforces the very oppression Christ worked to overcome. Still others take a stance of self-righteousness, alienating the community through accusation.
In addressing the rich, the liberation preacher reminds his or her audience that we are part of a Christian community that extends throughout the world. At the same time, the preacher can appeal to the ways we all are in need of liberation, regardless of our social or economic status. This establishes a common bond where we all are poor and have needs. Of course, the rich are encouraged to live out this common bond by sharing their resources with the poor, not as a gesture of beneficence, but in a manner that empowers the oppressed to struggle for not only a better life for themselves but also for greater justice throughout the world. I have seen rich parishes make commitments to social justice and take steps to further the ministry of Christ.
Liberation Preaching and the Poor
How can the liberation preacher address the poor? I feel the preacher must approach the poor (with whom he or she ministers) with humility, respect, and solidarity. There should be no invitation to risk more than the preacher him or herself is willing to risk. I am reminded of the words of Archbishop Romero: “Me glorio de estar en medio de mi pueblo.” -- “I find glory in standing in the midst of my people.” At the same time, his message brought him martyrdom.
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