Noah and the ark/Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees /HOMILY FOR TUESDAY OF THE 6TH WEEK IN THE ORDINARY TIME

Homily for Tuesday of the 6th week in Ordinary time

Genesis 6:5-8, 7:1-5, 10; Mark 8:14-21

Noah and the ark

Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees 

The first reading from the book of Genesis presents to us the narrative of Noah and the ark. The story of Noah and the ark tells us that it is the will of God to save humanity at all times, even from his sinful state. It submits to us the truth that the continuation of life on earth is substantially dependent on the just. 

It says: "The Lord saw that the wickedness of humankind was great on earth...the thought of their hearts was only evil continually. The Lord was sorry that he made humankind on the earth, and it grieved his heart" (Gen 6:5-6).

The Lord said to Noah: "Go into the ark, you and all your household, for I have seen that you are righteous before me in this generation (Gen 7:1).

 

God save humanity by means of the wood of the ark. The wood of the ark is the symbol of the wood of the cross. Through the cross, Jesus redeemed humanity. 

Beloved in Christ, Noah found favour in the sight of God (Gen 6:8). May we also find favour in the sight of God. However, we must watchful and walk the path of Righteousness. For many were eating and drinking until the flood came and swept them away. 

The narrative of Noah and the ark reminds us of the truth that nature is saved or destroyed because of man. Hence, we must be responsible ministers towards the preservation of nature, for the wickedness of man also destroys nature, whereas his righteousness saves it.  

Dearest brothers and sisters in Christ, the element of vigilance and watchfulness strolls into the Gospel reading of today. Jesus said to his disciples: "watch out- beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod" (Mk 8:15).

For the Jews, yeast is a symbol of evil. St. Paul said: "Clean out the yeast that you may be a new batch as you really are unleavened...let us celebrate the festival, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and evil, but the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth" (1Cor 5:7-8).

So what was the yeast or evil influence of the Pharisees and Herod? The yeast of the Pharisees is that of hypocrisy and preoccupation with outward show. Preoccupation with externalities than with matters of the heart, conscience, soul and spirit (justice, love, etc ). Remember also that they came seeking for a sign from Jesus, for they were not satisfied with the miracle performed by Jesus. They were looking for a kingdom of signs and wonders, political kingdom, kingdom of this world., and not the kingdom mercy and love shown by Jesus (Mt 23:14-16).

Herod, in the same vein, tried to secure for himself a kingdom of this world, a kingdom of wealth, power, pleasure and prestige, etc. 

So the yeast of both the Pharisees and Herod perceived the kingdom simply as an earthly kingdom. Their attitude was a search for appearances rather than the truth mission of Jesus on earth. Their nearness to God was superficial, not grounded in faith. 

Friends in Christ, just as Jesus admonished his disciples, so also he warns us to be vigilant and guard against material inclinations that will advocate in us search for earthly paradise. Let us never forget that we are pilgrims and our true home is in heaven. 

May God guide us to use the good things of this world, that we may never lose the things that endure forever. Amen

Have a happy day

Fr Remi Osj