Again the disciples are short on bread; they had forgotten to bring it and discovered they only had one loaf. Surprisingly, Jesus is not concerned about that, but warns them not to be taken in by the "leaven of the Pharisees and of Herod", that is, their skepticism that led them to ask for "signs", despite the obvious signs of the multiplication of the loaves not long before this conversation took place. This kind of skepticism prevents them from comprehending the obvious. And it can creep into our own lives and we read headlines and listen to pessimistic conversations about the dire situation of the world.
As we slide from Mardi Gras celebrations of varying intensity into "the rigors of Lent" we might reflect on what we might do to shake "the leaven of the Pharisees" from our minds and focus on the positive "signs" that Jesus has given us, the most dramatic, or course, being himself. Our Lenten observances of prayer, fasting and almsgiving should, after 40 days, bring us at least a few steps closer to him than where we are now. Let not a defeatist skepticism prevent us from taking those steps. "Watch out, guard against the leaven of the Pharisees..." (Mk 8: 14)
Bro. Rene
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