MACARONI

From the time of our baptism, we have been anointed to be “prophets”. No doubt we have heard that word a lot in life, but may have no idea what it means for us. Perhaps we know that a prophet somehow is both a keen observer of the “signs of the times” and acutely attuned to the heart of God…sort of like having one foot (or ear) in heaven and the other on the ground. The great prophets of old seemed to speak a truth…truth that was often uncomfortable and unwelcome, yet always essential and life-giving. Still, we might ask, what does this mean for me?

We are not alone in being unsure and puzzled. So, too, were they. Beginning with the first, Samuel, who heard God calling his name one night, but had no clue. With the guidance of Eli, he begins to understand. Later, he is told to tell King Saul that God is not pleased and is going to make a change. But fearing for his life, he tries to avoid carrying out God’s order.

Jonah doesn’t fare any better. His marching orders are to go to Nineveh and preach the Word of conversion, but he wants no part of it. He would rather jump in the ocean. We, too, can have our fears and doubts about a perceived call from God.

We want to serve God, but perhaps we would like to be like Daniel or Esther who recruit relationships with those at the highest level. Though maybe at times we feel like Ezekiel who felt his words fell on deaf ears, though God impelled him to speak of the urgency of the moment, to awaken, to inspire, to raise dry bones to new life.

Perhaps we would like to be like Isaiah whose words are lofty and poetic, compelling and majestic; or like Hosea who hears the divine words, “Get thee a prostitute” to marry. Yet this command, in its own unique way, reveals God’s desire for intimacy with each of us, despite our persistent infidelity.

God’s love and mercy remain unshakable. And that ultimately is what being a prophet is all about…manifesting God’s presence and God’s love…speaking for, and to, the oppressed AND the sinner, bringing them both hope, healing and nourishment!

There is a little song that captures the heart of our prophetic call:

Tell my people I love them
Tell my people I care
If they feel far away from me
Tell my people I’m there

Of course, no one did this better than the greatest prophet ~ Jesus ~ our Savior, our teacher, our model. And there has been no better student than a fellow Italian who lived about 800 years ago. I refer of course to Marco Polo. [My apologies to all the devotees of my Patron Saint: Francis of Assisi.]

Marco was the first prophet to the Orient, who bridged East and West. Upon his return to Venice, he went to his king and said, “My Lord I bring you silks, and spices, and noodles.” The king replied, “Of silks and spices I am well acquainted. But what are noodles?” “You cook them, my king, and they are delicious.”

The king called his chef and said, “Prepare these…al dente.” Shortly the chef returned. When the king tasted his first bite he exclaimed, “MA…MA…MA…CARONI!”

Now we must understand that the word, “caro” in Italian mean “dear”. “Caroni” means “very dear”. WE are God’s MACARONI! WE are very dear to God. As prophets this is the message we are called to proclaim: how much we are loved by God, and how greatly God wants to feed us all ~ those who lack what they need and those who appear to have more than they need. There is a hunger in each of us…for love and peace, happiness and fulfillment.

We are not the only ones who are hungry. God is hungry too…for us…our love and fidelity. That is why we gather at the Lord’s Table to be fed; and we for our part commit to give our all to feed God…because we ARE God’s MACARONI.