Beware of the 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

Yeast is a wonderful thing. I am in the process of feeding my sour dough starter that has been lying dormant through the warm months, yet with a little feeding and some yeast, we will make bread again. Yeast turned simple sugar and flour into a breathing mass of dough, which, even after it is punched down, rises again. It is a very small portion of the bread recipe, but it's indominable. Jesus warns his disciples to beware of the yeast of the religious leaders. A small bit of nasty criticism can get into the whole and effect the whole loaf. We hear so many mean words about the immigrants and the poor, that we can believe it. But that is the power of a little bit of yeast. May we learn to identify those words and behaviors that are dangerous small things that take over and rid ourselves of that kind of thinking.

Wondrous Creator, you give us good bread

rich with hope filled with kindness and care

and strengthen us to serve the world in your name.

Too often, we get taken in by wealthy yeast

the desire to be rich and comfortable take over

and we forget that you call us to love and serve.

Knead our hearts back to compassion and care

so that the yeast of hate has no home with us

and your love rises among those in great need. Amen.