Gospel

‘Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of Herod.’
Mark 8:14-21

At that time: The disciples had forgotten to bring bread, and they had only one loaf with them in the boat. And he cautioned them, saying, ‘Watch out; beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.’ And they began discussing with one another the fact that they had no bread. And Jesus, aware of this, said to them, ‘Why are you discussing the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear? And do you not remember? When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?’ They said to him, ‘Twelve.’ ‘And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?’ And they said to him, ‘Seven.’ And he said to them, ‘Do you not yet understand?’

The Gospel of the Lord

Face or Facade?

Yeast makes the dough rise. The “yeast” of the Pharisees aimed to lift the crowds by seeking their approval—by pretending to be something they were not. Who hasn’t put on their best face in public, only to wear a much different expression at home? Often, that face is not so pleasant.
This is a common struggle; it always has been. That’s why Jesus speaks so firmly, “Beware of pretending to be something you are not!”

Applied to Married Life:

Charles: What matters more to you—what people think of you or what God thinks?
Myriam: I should say what God thinks… but the truth is, I put far more effort into my image in front of people. It’s sad, but that’s the reality.
Charles: Well, don’t worry. The Lord also sees your moments of repentance, and those aren’t things that others can see. You have a beautiful heart, and only God and I can see it.
Myriam: Thank you, my love. God is so merciful with me, and you truly love me just as I am.
Charles: I know the real you, and I love you despite your flaws. And what about me? Do you love me, even with my imperfections?
Myriam: I do. I love you—a lot.

Mother,

Help us to focus on loving more, rather than merely appearing better or feeding our pride. Praise be to the Lord.