Romans 3:21-30 / Luke 11:47-54
The prophetic voice is a voice that consoles as well as disturbs.
It consoles the oppressed and it disturbs the oppressor.
But besides having the double-edged sword of consolation and desolation, the prophetic voice calls for justice.
The 1st reading tells us that the Law and the Prophets had made known the justice of God.
But it is by faith that this justice of God is revealed to the one who believes in Jesus Christ.
This justice of God is essentially His mercy and compassion that leads us to be reconciled with Him.
So whenever Jesus preached about God's mercy and compassion, it brought consolation to the oppressed.
But for the oppressors like the Pharisees and scribes, it disturbed them.
Because if they were to practice mercy and compassion in their lives, they would have to act justly and humbly.
It may also disturb us if we were to have mercy and compassion on those who do not deserve it.
But in being disturbed, we will be awakened to act justly and humbly, and we will also be able to speak with a prophetic voice.