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?"
Breaking the text open:
The gospel reading for today, Tuesday of the 6th Week in Ordinary Time and the observance of the Memorials of St. Cyril and Methodius, continues our reading of the Gospel of Mark. Today’s text reveals to us how difficult the lessons were for the disciples following Christ. Having witnessed the miraculous feeding of the multitude as well as the Pharisees’ demand immediately afterwards for a sign from heaven, we think they would understand Jesus’ comment to them, “Watch out, guard against the leaven of the Pharisees.” It had nothing to do with bread and everything to do with faith and trust in Christ.
Jesus’ questioning of the disciples about the miraculous feeding of multitudes reveals his true meaning. Surely, Jesus is telling the disciples, if we needed bread, you know that I have the power to provide enough for us all. Jesus is challenging the disciples; they have witnessed the miraculous events, but they appear to have missed the transformative experience that would allow them to truly hear Christ’s call to live with authentic love.
Meditating on the text:
Have I spent time really pondering the power and presence of Christ active in my life? Can I hear His call to me to love as He loves, authentically, even at a cost?
Praying:
LORD, Jesus Christ, I ponder your life and death for me. I hold your teachings in my heart and mind and seek to live as You call me to live. I know that You truly are “the way and the truth and the life.” I do believe, LORD. Help my disbelief. Send your Spirit to guide me day to day so that I might more perfectly stay the course and love well and love long. Amen.
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