A true prophet offers two things to the culture he engages with — prophetic critique and prophetic energising. In the former he challenges the beliefs and actions of the people in light of God’s commands; in the latter he energises the criticised people to attain the sanctity God desires.

To do all this requires formation. It requires training, because a prophet often goes against majority opinion. The first reading captures this reinforcement from God in the words “Brace yourself for action —more appropriately — for reaction from the people.”

But, how does one accomplish this? Not by going on the offence but by defence - by becoming a fortified city, a pillar of iron and bronze. This was John the Baptist, who stood against injustice without backing down — not even in the face of prison and impending death. His witness was so effective that Herod, felt judged and critiqued, but the humanity within Herod was also energised. He was energised by a holy fear for he “knew John to be a good and holy man and gave him his protection.”

After a while, however, Herod couldn’t accept a prophet. Can we?