ITCHING EARS…

2 Timothy 4:1-5 
1 I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom:2 preach the word, be urgent in season and out of season, convince, rebuke, and exhort, be unfailing in patience and in teaching.
3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own likings,4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander into myths.
5 As for you, always be steady, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfil your ministry.

Matthew 5:13-16 

13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trodden under foot by men.
14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. 15 Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

MEDITATION

St PAUL respond to the troubling news that the community of Ephesus have exchanged sound apostolic teachings, with false doctrines. Timothy is instructed to patiently convince, rebuke, exhort and preach the word of God without fear or favor, whether the people find it a sweet or bitter pill to swallow! Paul likewise encourage Timothy that he fortify and strenghten himself and be ready to endure suffering, which is part and parcel of the life of an evangelist.

THE GOSPEL READING: Whilst being mindfull that His disciples were generally good, honest salt of the earth individuals who wish to remain true to His teachings, Christ nevertherless issue a warning that their teachings will not always be accepted and life will not always be happy-go-lucky!

Pastors, teachers, parents and friends should not be under the illusion that we will always be the toast of the town to those whom we were called to serve and take care of. If the truth be told, faithful teachers will surely be trampled upon by those of us who lend our itching ears to false teachers, preachers and secular pundits who condone and affirm our wayward lifestyles that contradict the ethical moral teachings of Christ Jesus, as ennumerated by His Church.This is not the time to pick the scriptures apart to conform to our likeness and understanding, instead allow the Word of God to pick you and me apart, so we may be recreated and be a new person who conform to the image and likeness of Christ Jesus! 

LET US PRAY: Psalms 37:3-6,30-31

3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; so you will dwell in the land, and enjoy security.
4 Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
5 Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act.
6 He will bring forth your vindication as the light, and your right as the noonday.
30 The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice.
31 The law of his God is in his heart; his steps do not slip.

Commentary. Henry R SYLVESTER Note: The daily scripture readings are taken from the Roman Missal which the Catholic Church use in the daily Celebration of the Holy Eucharist throughout the world.Some weekly readings may differ because of the celebration of local feast days.