The Pharisees and Sadducees came, and to test Jesus they asked him to show them a sign from heaven. He answered them, ‘When it is evening, you say, “It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.” And in the morning, “It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and threatening.” You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. An evil and adulterous generation asks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah.’ Then he left them and went away. When the disciples reached the other side, they had forgotten to bring any bread. Jesus said to them, ‘Watch out, and beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.’ They said to one another, ‘It is because we have brought no bread.’ And becoming aware of it, Jesus said, ‘You of little faith, why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not perceive? Do you not remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many baskets you gathered? Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many baskets you gathered? How could you fail to perceive that I was not speaking about bread? Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees!’ Then they understood that he had not told them to beware of the yeast of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Matthew 16:1-12
We all have fallen victim to a good sales pitch or great sale. We are often disappointed or angry with ourselves for being swept up and being conned. False prophets and hucksters have been around since the dawn of time, and we all have fallen victim from time to time. Jesus invites his disciples, and us as well, to be wary of those whose restrictive teachings and rigid lifestyle demands can tempt us to straying from God's love and truth. The disciples, just like us, are often pulled away from love and truth.
We are called, at all times, to seek Jesus when we feel confused, overwhelmed and pressured. We will find him among those who heal and those who share the Creator's loving abundance.
Wondrous Creator, we see you in the majesty of mountains
we hear your voice in the roar of the wind and waves
your love is most often found among the least here on earth.
We ache to be included and have simplified lives
we want to be strong, powerful, and in with the popular
yet you call us to seek you out among the hungry and hurting.
Help us, dear Lord, to seek you face in daytime and night
among the familiar and in the places we fear to go
trusting that you love is everywhere and you are with us always. Amen.
