Now, more then ever, prophets are needed to stand by and hold the new leader(s) to task. Like biblical prophets of old, women and men are being called to make life hell for leaders who ignore the down-trodden while languishing in comfort and plenty. Prophets are needed to preach mercy above judgment, compassion over tyranny, and economic fairness before unbridled wealth. (catholic dialogue, November 14, 2016)
I spent January 20th in a funk. A deep funk. I avoided the news, not wanting to see or hear the inauguration of a man I had already spent too much energy loathing; too much time writing about. What more was there to say? Hope was a fleeting dream. The world seemed a darker place.
Then came January 21st.
I had read about the planned Women’s March with excitement, but couldn’t shake the pessimistic funk. It would probably be fewer than expected, I thought, giving more reason for the new president to gloat over his victory.
I cautiously opened up my Twitter account early in the morning. It was already filled with positive energy. Stories and photos circulated from around the world. The news began pouring in of larger than expected crowds. I watched with pride as women and men gathered in Winnipeg to show solidarity with marchers in the US. I regretted not being there myself.
I read tweets from women and men I followed in Rome, Boston, Washington and beyond. I felt like I was there. I rejoiced as the crowds grew. I breathed a prayer of thanks as the protests remained peaceful until the end. It was a glorious example of non-violent resistance.
Some naysayers, pointing to the more aggressive signs, criticized the lack of politeness of some marchers. Really??? This was especially ironic, considering the lack of respect and basic manners of the person the marchers were protesting against. Besides, the days of women as meek and mild handmaidens is long past.
I thought the signs showed brilliant creativity and humour.
Satire is one of the most effective political weapons. Being laughed at can often deflate egos quicker than anger.
Others criticized the seeming lack of a unified message in the marchers. This, I thought, was one of its greatest benefits and a lesson to be taken to heart.
Solidarity amid diversity is a powerful tool. The gathering of many smaller voices into one great call for change CAN make a difference.
The big question being asked now is, what next? I believe that the Women’s March has laid a strong foundation for speaking truth to power. Hopefully it will energize and affirm many more women and men to take on the mantle of prophet, to poke and prod those in power to ensure that they work for justice and peace for all.
catholic dialogue 
Hi Isabella,
My partner Eric and I took part in the Women’s March and rally here in Philadelphia, PA. The planners of the march were expecting about 20,000 to show up. However, at the end of the rally it was estimated that the crowd swelled to 50,000. A true testament to the will of the people! We the people!
Like you, I was depressed on Friday, January 20. I didn’t watch or listen to any news of the Inauguration until I arrived home from work that evening. No matter how hard I tried, I just could not watch the reruns of the swearing-in of now President Trump nor could I watch the festivities that followed. I love my country and it pains me to see where we have come. But if the crowds that marched on Saturday, January 21, are an indication of how Americans are thinking and feeling, then there is still hope. And how reassuring it was to see like-minded marches and rallies around the world.
What next? I guess that is up to Mr. Trump and the Republicans. But I know we need to stay united, be on guard, and be ready for anything. And, as it says in 1 Timothy 6:12 “Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have confessed so well before many witnesses.” And above it all, we need to keep a sense of humor which will keep us balanced.
Cheers,
Brian Fagan
Philadelphia, PA, USA
Hi Brian!
Thanks so much for sharing your story! I have several dear friends in Philly, and have visited your wonderful city several times. I can imagine the energy that must have been present on Saturday.
I do like your call to stay united and be on guard, and keep the faith. Good advice always, as is the importance of a sense of humour. 😉
Blessings to you and Eric, and all the good prophetic souls in Philly!
Isabella
I think in a very strange way, the election and inauguration, which led directly to marches in DC and around the world, may be a great catalyst for unity in diversity, leading to positive change and a resurgence of real grassroots values of E Pluribus Unum. Read on please.
“All things (including bad things) can work together for good, for those who trust in the Lord” (and by extension- in each other).
Maybe even the hat slogan, (Make America Great Again) can be turned on its head to a “real resurgence” of American values and unity, and not Trumps “Gospel of Prosperity”.
Could this be the Holy Spirit in action? I sure hope so!
Hi Jerry,
I do like your optimistic view. Maybe this is a time for new life. Oh, wouldn’t that be wonderful!
Joining you in the hope and prayer…
Isabella
What really is prophesy; who is a prophet? In today’s world I suspect a prophet is “one” who reads the “creation/creator” signs of timely critical importance and who interprets, teaches and leads? One who is also “signed”, somehow “singled out”, prepared as worthy and “sent”. Perfection is not a requesit, nor is full possession of the message, the prophesy, but rather of its urgent relevance. (a personal stream of consciousness definition)
But, as the adage teaches what is their use in their own country where prophet and prophesy go unheeded, are even dishonoured – as has happened in the recent presidential campaign*? In a fractured world where genuine leadership is eschewed; where not only fellowship but also “followship” is threatened or perverted, what then is the route for the Spirit?
Answer: when the prophet and the community are one and the same and the message is embedded in the community itself: the women of Jan. 21, 2017.
The urgency is obvious and timely in sequence with the Inauguration. The “prophetic” sign of being sent: “e pluribus unum”, is emplazoned upon the Great Seal as it sang-out of the women marching- leading as they followed; local and global; in common as they differed; signs speaking the message(s): “make America kind again”, “make America think again”, “respect”, and on and on. They were all there.
Further “sign” of prophetic legitimacy: the popular vote.*
And then, as in the march I attended, there were the many men who share, who follow, endorse their lead, their message as also ours, one community.
If, our Pope Francis is sensitive to the “sign”, the urgency, the global relevance, the core of message; the opportunity for denied justice; he cannot but recognize the “prophesy-prophet” of women’s time.
If he is truly “in prayer”, he knows what he must do. He must globally and prophetically acknowledge the full peership of women now “…in the church and in the world”. The timeliness is the urgenncy of the message; the message is in the medium.
*Please note: I, in no way contend that Ms Clinton was prophet or legitimate leader any more than Mr. Trump “is”.