Q. I heard some Catholics talk about a group they’re in where they “practice” at prophesying. Is prophesying telling the future and isn’t that wrong to attempt, or is it something else?
A. Prophecy, as defined by the Catholic Encyclopedia, is the gift from God of “supernatural knowledge given to a person to reveal hidden or future things, or present things unknown, for the good of others.” Within that gift, there are two forms: “perfect” prophecy—when the prophet knows clearly that God is speaking—and “imperfect” prophecy, which comes with less clarity.
“Perfect prophecy,” rightly understood, is deeply woven into the life of the Church and the entire history of salvation: from the great prophets of the Old Covenant such as Elijah and Jeremiah to the prophetic figures of the New Testament, like St. John the Baptist, Simeon, and Anna, as well as many saints, old and contemporary. St. Paul exhorts the Thessalonians (1 Thess 5:20-21): “Do not despise prophetic utterances. Test everything; hold fast to what is good.”
“Imperfect prophecy” may be what this question is referring to. It is often characterized as part of the charismatic dimension in the Church. However, in my experience, it is simply asking God for a positive, encouraging word to share with someone—something that reflects the Father’s heart for that person. Once shared, I always seek feedback by asking, “Does that resonate with you?” If it does, we praise God. If not, I remind them it is no cause for concern: God still loves them, and I am simply grateful for the chance to pray with and for them. Often, even when a particular word does not “click” in the moment, the person feels loved, seen, and cared for.
The problem arises when this gift is misused, abused, or when the source is anyone other than God. For example, if someone “uses” the gifts of the Spirit for selfish ends or to manipulate others, that is not true prophecy but a kind of spiritual abuse. Likewise, if someone intentionally draws from a source other than the Holy Spirit—if it comes from a deceptive spirit—it is not prophecy at all but occultism. And of course, as St. Paul teaches, if prophecy is exercised without love, the greatest of all the spiritual gifts (1 Cor 13:13), it becomes “nothing more than a resounding gong or a clashing cymbal” (1 Cor 13:1).
In response to such abuses, which are often encouraged by the evil one, many people end up doing exactly what St. Paul warned the Thessalonians not to do: they despise prophetic utterance. While this reaction is understandable, it is not in harmony with our faith. What is needed instead is the spiritual gift of discernment of spirits: the grace to test whether what someone speaks is truly of God.
A simple guideline for discernment is to ask: Does this word draw me into deeper love of God first and love of others second, or does it turn me inward in a self-focused way? Further, is what is spoken reasonable and in accord with the teaching of Christ and the Church, or does it lead to disorder and confusion? Finally, does it bear the fruits of the Holy Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, and so forth? These questions may seem basic, but they provide a solid starting point for recognizing what is of God and what is not. These rules enable us to receive the gifts that God wants to bless us with through His Holy Spirit.
This question was answered by Father Stephen Graeve, pastor of St. Peter and St. Joseph Parishes in Bellwood.
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