25th Week in Ordinary Time: Monday 23rd September 2019

After the Babylonian empire was conquered by King Cyrus of Persia, he encouraged the Israelites to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. King Cyrus insisted that the God of the Israelites had charged him with rebuilding the Temple. The decree also instructed the neighbors of the Jewish exiles to assist them with material goods for the “house of God in Jerusalem.” Ezra noted that some of the people were moved by the spirit of God to step out in faith and follow these instructions. This was the first stage of the resettling of Jerusalem by the Jewish exiles.

Jesus was walking from town to town, preaching and teaching. He taught that the lamp must be placed on the lampstand so that it would be seen. Jesus’ words were to be held up so that all people would be able to see and understand.

The second teaching may be understood negatively — one must behave because everything hidden would be disclosed. But it could also mean that Jesus’ words would be brought to light — God would help the people to understand.

In the third teaching, Jesus told the people to be careful how they listened. Careful listening would bring understanding and growth.

These teachings are so relevant today as we try to weed out the truth from fake news.

Lord, help me to understand what You want me to hear.