Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to 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?”
Do you still not understand?
1. Watch out. Guard against… Let’s not be customs officers of faith. Today Jesus emphasizes that in the Church, He wants us to be close, welcoming. We wants us to accompany those who suffer, who are hurting, who are beaten by life. He reminds us that the Church is a family for all; there is room for everyone. Today we must continue to work on this, to seek out our brothers and sisters and make them feel part of our Church, part of our family.
2. Our concern. Today I propose that you look at your past and remember the times that God’s hand has appeared in your life. Stop worrying so much and trust God always, including when you make mistakes. Abandon yourself to God and place everything in his hands. God wants to remind you that He has marked your life with miracles and that He is still walking alongside you, that He has not left you alone. He accompanies you, protects you, inspires you.
3. Do you still not understand? Today you are reminded that worries might lead you to lose your way. There are beautiful and not so beautiful moments in life, but the key is to move ahead and strive on. God will help you, but you must give him the space in your life to do his work. Remember all the obstacles He has helped you overcome. You must be a witness of all God’s miracles in you. Don’t be afraid, take risks with God at your side.
Don’t forget that something good is on the way!
God bless you and be with you in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
