Daily Devotional for August 7

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August 7                                                              Mark 8:11-21

     "Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees."

Although the disciples concluded that Jesus had made this
statement because they had no bread, Jesus was in fact referring
to a symbolic meaning of yeast. The leavening work of yeast
occurs as it dissolves and becomes part of the essence of the
dough; then it cannot be separated from the other ingredients.
Moreover, a tablespoon of yeast added to several cups of flour
markedly changes the texture of the dough itself, so that it
can be made into leavened bread.

In like manner, the metaphorical yeast of the Pharisees
dramatically changes the texture and quality of an individual's
life. One major aspect of a Pharisaic way of living is a skepti-
cism which seeks for a sign or looks for clear proof for those
things best known by faith or intuition. While Jesus is emphatic
in telling the Pharisees that no sign will be given, he is just
as emphatic in reminding the disciples of the miracles they
have witnessed. The disciples are reminded that, rather than
seeking another sign, they should be looking for the
graciousness of God already surrounding them in their daily
lives. It is as if Jesus were asking, "What more do you need
in order to see?"

It is much the same for us. During times of doubt, times when
we wonder if God is present or really cares for us, or when
we find it difficult to accept our own goodness or the goodness
of life around us, we are called as people of faith to the
remembrance of the graciousness of God that permeates our
lives. If we are willing to look for these gifts of God around
us, what need have we for further signs? [At that point, 

everything God has given us is a sign.  L.M. 8/7/2018]

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From The Road to Emmaus - An inclusive devotional Edited by Joseph W. Houle

Emmaus House of Prayer - Washington D.C.1989