Veterans Day

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

Wondrous Creator, you offer us good teachers

in every generation they come to serve others

they use their warrior skills for the nations' good

and care for the young and the elderly at home.

These humble teachers are like good yeast

they plant seeds of hope and service in our lives

teach us the gift and the cost of true sacrifice

and lead by example in all that they do daily.

We are often captivated by sparkling leaders

who speak with great insight but who do not serve

they are catered to, spoiled and expect everything

while the gentle teachers are among the people.

Help us Lord to be like the good teachers

a little daily yeast so that all may grow strong

daily service and humble sacrifice always

so that your love flourishes again among the people. Amen.