Guard against the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod
REFLECTIONS TODAY
The disciples did not figure out what Jesus meant by those words, “Guard against the leaven…” (v 15). They think Jesus uttered those words because they forgot to bring bread on the boat, or have no bread at all. Previously, Jesus performed the multiplication of the bread which is more than enough for the 4,000 men who have been following him for three days.
The disciples have actually forgotten the more recent incident in Dalmanutha when the Pharisees sought for a sign of heaven, which he did not grant. Jesus warns his disciples to be careful in dealing with the Pharisees, who are known to be strict observers of the Law, but cannot accept his message.
We, his modern disciples, should not worry about our daily bread, for God can give abundantly. Rather, let us always be attentive to God’s revelation and inspiration. The enticements of the Pharisees and the Herodians are dangerous.
Gospel • Mark 8:14-21
The disciples had forgotten to bring bread, and they had only one loaf with them in the boat. Jesus enjoined them, “Watch out, guard against the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.”
They concluded among themselves that it was because they had no bread. When he became aware of this he said to them, “Why do you conclude that it is because you have no bread? Do you not yet understand or comprehend? Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes and not see, ears and not hear? And do you not remember, when I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many wicker baskets full of fragments you picked up?”
They answered him, “Twelve.” “When I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many full baskets of fragments did you pick up?” They answered him, “Seven.” He said to them, “Do you still not understand?”
Source: “366 Days with the Lord 2024,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.