Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: February 18, 2025

Date: Tuesday of the 6th Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text: 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?”

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel text for today from the Gospel of Mark comes immediately after the testing by the Pharisees for a sign from heaven even though they had just witnessed the miracle of the feeding of the multitude. Jesus’ statement, “Watch out, guard against the leaven of the Pharisees” referred to the Pharisee’s rejection of Jesus’ power and authority, demanding more proof that Jesus was heaven sent.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I notice all the LORD gives to me daily? Or do I test the LORD and demand “signs” of His presence and power?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, Beloved Son, Most Holy Spirit, we come to You this day with hearts and minds full of praise for You, full of love for You. Who are we that You should care for us as You do? We wonder at your love for us, your care for us, your presence to us. We beg forgiveness for those times in our lives when we have not noticed your gifts and your love or not given thanks for your power and presence at work in our world and our lives. As we seek to love You with our whole beings, kindle within us the fire of your love, your transformative love. Inform our minds, conform our wills, transform our souls. Amen.