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Gospel Reading for February 13, 2024 – Mark 8: 14-21
HEART TO HEART
The disciples had forgotten to bring bread, and they had only one loaf with them in the boat.
Jesus enjoined them, “Watch out, guard against the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.” They concluded among themselves that it was because they had no bread. When he became aware of this he said to them, “Why do you conclude that it is because you have no bread? Do you not yet understand or comprehend? Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes and not see, ears and not hear? And do you not remember, when I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many wicker baskets full of fragments you picked up?” They answered him, “Twelve.” “When I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many full baskets of fragments did you pick up?” They answered him, “Seven.” He said to them, “Do you still not understand?”
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“Do you still not understand?” Did Jesus expect too much from the disciples he chose to be with him most of the time? After all, it is said that a lot of them were fishermen, therefore experts of fishing; a tax collector for the Roman government who must have acquired some education on taxation; a Zealot who liked engaging in politics and anarchy; and a Treasurer who probably was good in accounting. Even if Jesus chose a Pharisee to be one of the apostles, he too would not understand.
Why do we not understand what God is saying to us through his Son, Jesus? Perhaps it is because we think we need to have skills to understand what God is saying. Perhaps we think we need a degree in Theology? in Philosophy? One may memorize the Bible or even be a biblical scholar and yet, it is not an assurance that he/she will understand better than others who are not. If we truly, really, wish to understand God, we have to use THE EYES AND EARS OF OUR HEARTS because a deep relationship with God is a matter of HEART TO HEART. When we use our heart, we cannot wear shades to block off the light; we cannot put blinders so we may keep focus only on what’s in front of us; we cannot be aided with binoculars to see very far; or use spectacles and contact lenses to have a clearer vision. With the heart, we simply have to be ourselves and be open to all possibilities of meeting and communicating with God in all that’s happening in our lives.
When we read with our hearts what Jesus is saying, it will not be difficult to understand.
Jesus meek and humble of heart, make our hearts like unto thine!
