Yeast

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

I have been baking bread most of my life, first helping my mother, then making it for my family. There is an art to baking, a careful way of being that cannot be rushed. As a child, I loved watching the Three Stooges with my brother, laughing at their antics, and understanding how foolish they were to believe they know how to make and do things they had never learned. I learned early that adults can be foolish and misleading in life. Even as we laugh with their silliness, we can also recognize the real danger. Jesus tells us to beware of the teaching of those who would entertain us and lead us astray.

Gracious God, you gave us your wisdom

instilled in our hearts is your compassion

taught us how to care or our neighbors

and trust that your will provide the blessings.

We often get thinking about we lack

we take on teaching from exotic entertainers

Believing that what you have given is not enough

running to and fro after much foolishness.

Help us to remember how we are truly blessed

renew our hearts of compassion and love

help us to offer what we have to our neighbors

trusting that there is abundance from you always. Amen.