Second Sunday after Pentecost (NTA)

1 Timothy 4:6-16

⁶ If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed. ⁷ Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; ⁸ for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. ⁹ The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. ¹⁰ For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

¹¹ Command and teach these things. ¹² Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. ¹³ Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. ¹⁴ Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. ¹⁵ Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. ¹⁶ Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.

There is part of Me that really enjoys, superheroes like Batman, superman, Spider-Man, X-Men, and the like. Part of this is dealing with silly myths. Even enjoying Hercules, Pompeii, Troy, Clash of the Titans, and Thor are dealing with silly myth. They can teach us a lot about life, but they are still silly myths.

St Paul tells us to focus on godliness. It is important for us to lead godly lives. As believers who have been redeemed in the blood of Christ, our conduct should reflect this gift of God. Therefore, we should devote ourselves to the reading of scripture. We should pay attention to showing Love and Forgiveness. Likewise, there are many silly myths that we need to avoid falling into devotion.

St Paul rightfully encourages each of us to keep a close watch on ourselves both on conduct and on teaching. God has given us the gift of eternal life. He has given us the hope of the resurrection. He has made us holy. This is not a silly myth, but this is the eternal truth of God. Let us train ourselves in this gift and practice.