YEAST

Tuesday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time: Year C Mark 8:14-21 The disciples were worried about having too little bread, and Jesus is saying: "Why are you talking about having no bread?” They had no bread but what they missed that Jesus was with them. Oftentimes, like the disciples we are so worried about the future that we failed to enjoy the present. Friends, don’t over think so much of the days to come without first enjoying the now. Watch out for sometimes too much emphasis of the future robs the joy of today. Let us learn from Jesus. Trust Him and don’t worry. One bread is more than enough and this bread is no other than Jesus Himself. Second point, the gospel is reminding us the truth about discipleship. Discipleship is learning from the master. In this case “comprehending” Jesus. “Do you still not perceive or understand?" Friends, let us keep learning especially on the matters of our faith. Learning never exhausts the spirit. Never stop learning because life never stop teaching about our faith. When we know better, we can do better. Finally, our gospel for today is warning us to protect ourselves from the influence of hypocrisy. Jesus warns the disciples to look out for the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod. "Watch out - beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod." The Pharisees were unable to see the truth that Jesus was the Messiah. While the Herodians loved having wealth and put their hope in power, pleasure and money. Herodians use religion to make money and to impress others. They mixed religion with commerce. Yeast is a rising agent. Little of Herod’s and of Pharisees’ yeast iare detrimental to our life. Watch out of this Pharisaic and Herodian influence in us folks. Jesus is warning us not to get caught up in the quest for more of the world’s goods or more of the world’s favor. Beware of the leaven of hypocrisy and worldliness. Friends, stay away from people who are greedy. Shun people who are full of pride and selfishness. Protect yourself at all times! Blessings Fr. Jhack