Apparently, being a prophet has never been a very rewarding job. In the Old Testament, prophets were routinely imprisoned, abused or killed by the people they were trying to reach.

In today's Gospel reading, people in Jesus' hometown are incredulous that the young man from their village has inclinations to be a spiritual leader. "Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon?" they ask.

"A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house," Jesus replies. Then we're told that "he was not able to perform any mighty deed there."

Prophets were generally mistreated because they brought messages that people did not want to hear. Usually, prophets pointed out how people were ignoring the needs of the poor and the suffering in their communities, and they indicated this behavior was likely to bring grave spiritual consequences.

No one likes to be told that they are destroying themselves with their self-absorbed behavior and neglect of the poor. So instead of welcoming this corrective message, people tend to find fault with the messenger, and make excuses for their indulgence.

I'm not sure what a prophet's message would be to us today. We are living through an extraordinary time, where just about everyone feels poor, even if they are among those fortunate enough to have jobs, homes and savings. It is, for many, more difficult than ever to consider sharing what we have with others. Are we to be blamed if we are principally concerned with caring for ourselves even though we know that others are suffering?

For those of us who claim to follow Jesus, we are not given the option of ignoring the needs of the poor. We are called to care for the neediest members of communities in good times and bad.

This is not a message that I like to hear. This is not a comfortable message in times of economic hardship, and it is not a comfortable lifestyle. For me, it is easy to give in to the fear that if I share what I have with others, and share more when the need is greater, I won't have enough to take care of myself and my family.

Jesus calls us to a life of compassion and service. And he promises that it will be the richest and most rewarding life possible. He also warns us of the consequences of resisting his call. The risk we run if we live in fearful self-protection is that we will miss out on the "mighty deeds" that Jesus is doing among us.

Are there prophets among us today? Are there people calling our governments, our churches and our neighbors to service and generosity to the poor and the suffering? There are, of course, thanks be to God. They challenge us to a better way of living. They may not find honor in their own communities and families, but they are more likely than the rest of us to experience the mighty works of Christ.

If we listen to them, so can we.

Bill Peatman writes from Napa. He may be reached at bptidings@yahoo.com.