+ In the gospel passage we have two references to bread (which comes obviously from leaven). In the first instance Jesus is warning against the “leaven of the Pharisees.” In doing so he refers to another instance of bread – the bread of the multiplication of the loaves for the 5000. This too involved leaven “the leaven of the power and presence of God’s word in the lives of his people” – and how it can be overflowing and overabundant for good works.
Jesus is frustrated with the
disciples because they understand neither of the “leaven” stories. Do you have eyes and not see, and ears and
not hear? These disciples are still much too closed in upon themselves and
their own prejudices and preconceived notions to really get what Jesus is
trying to tell them.
In the first reading today God
is also frustrated with the whole lot of his human creations because of their
wickedness and unwillingness to change: and so, he plans to destroy them all,
except for the one who found favor with him (and all kinds of pairs of animals)
– Noah and his family, and all manner of families of animals.
We too must be quick to
understand God’s underlying intent to redeem and forgive – even though his
people always made this a most difficult thing for themselves.
May we today and open our eyes
and ears, and see what evil may still be lurking in our hearts – and during
this upcoming Lenten Season make a resolution to do something about it.
God can do great things with
us, only with our willingness and our cooperation.
The Lord has every intention
of blessing his people with peace – eventually.
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