I. Charism - La Salle.org

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II. CHARISM IN THE BIBLE
own ends and can carry out his plans because he is left-handed
(3:21). Gideon launches a surprise night attack (7:19). Always
apparent in the feats which they achieve is the power of the
God of Israel who sustains his people in difficult times and
assures their existence in spite of their desertions and infidelities
(2:18).
4. Charism is prophetic ministry.
We can learn much from Jeremiah by comparing his “confessions”
(11:18-21; 12:1-6; 15:10-21; 17:14-18; 18:18-23; 20:9-18) with
the account of his vocation (1:1-19). Jeremiah like all those “called”
is predestined from his mother’s womb to be a prophet for the
nations. Faced with the challenge of the messenger, Jeremiah
declares that he lacks the ability because he cannot give a speech
and he is only a child. His investiture consists in an action of
Yahweh who extends his hand and touches his mouth to communicate
his Word to him. Henceforth his life will be marked by his
charism and its prophetic signs (1:11-16). That is even going to
take the form of total participation in the political life of his country
up to the time that, having predicted the victory of the northern
empires over Israel and counselling flight into Egypt in the
south, he is considered a traitor. But whatever may happen God
promises that he will be with him to save him (1:8). Jeremiah has
the charism of endurance in all the vicissitudes of his life as
prophet.
As a prophet, the process of his call is classic: “I knew you, I consecrated
you and appointed you to be a prophet. Gird up your loins,
arise and speak to them” (1:17-19). All those called experience fear
and are conscious of their weakness. With Yahweh’s assistance they
denounce, witness and proclaim thanks to the charism of prophetic
fearlessness.