A reading of the holy Gospel according to LK 12:1-7
At that time:So many people were crowding together that they were trampling one another underfoot.Jesus began to speak, first to his disciples,“Beware of the leaven–that is, the hypocrisy–of the Pharisees.“There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed,nor secret that will not be known.Therefore whatever you have said in the darknesswill be heard in the light,and what you have whispered behind closed doorswill be proclaimed on the housetops.I tell you, my friends,do not be afraid of those who kill the bodybut after that can do no more.I shall show you whom to fear.Be afraid of the one who after killinghas the power to cast into Gehenna;yes, I tell you, be afraid of that one.Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins?Yet not one of them has escaped the notice of God.Even the hairs of your head have all been counted.Do not be afraid.You are worth more than many sparrows.”
REFLECTION
"Beware of the leaven–that is, the hypocrisy–of the Pharisees."
There are two virtues that Jesus Christ taught and recommended we practice: humility and brotherly love. And the Devil most wages war against these two virtues. St Augustine said, "You cannot attain to charity except through humility".
So what does leaven and hypocrisy have to do with each other and what do love and humility have to do with the Pharisees?
Leaven bread was left over bread which had fermented. In the Jewish culture, fermented dough was associated with rot and decay.
The Pharisees had an image to uphold for all to see: pious, good, following religious rituals, and a prayerful life. But inside their hearts they were filled with evil thoughts, self love and hardly ever helping someone in need.
Pride always has self love and it is the greatest of all sins because it is the chief of all sins and the cause and origin of all sins.
We do not escape the notice of God. He knows what is in our hearts. Pray for humility, pray for love of our neighbor and pray we please God and no one else.
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