UNDERGOING SPIRITUAL PURIFICATION - 02/14/23 (Memorial of Saints Cyril, Monk, and Methodius, Bishop)

Mark 8:14–17

Now they had forgotten to bring bread; and they had only one loaf with them in the boat. And he cautioned them, saying, “Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.”

And they discussed it with one another, saying, “We have no bread.”  And being aware of it, Jesus said to them, “Why do you discuss the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive or understand?”

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/021423.cfm

Blessed Memorial of Saint Cyril and St. Methodius! Our Lord Jesus told His disciples that they should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Herod. He meant that they should not allow themselves to be influenced by the sins of Herod and the Pharisees considering that the disciples were not yet totally and fully dedicated to Christ. There were times when they still lacked faith in Him. And, what happened was that the response of the disciples just showed it. When the disciples were thinking of the word "leaven", instead of understanding the deeper meaning behind the words of Christ, they just thought of something literal, which was the reason why they said, "We have no bread." It's not merely about not understanding Christ, but it's also about forgetting that Jesus can do miracles. After witnessing how He miraculously fed the multitude, it seemed as if they still lacked faith in Him. 

The disciples seemed to not yet learn from the Pharisees and from their own examples in the past. They still could not understand. The truth is that this can also apply to us. When we have fallen to sins, it's important for us to beg for God's forgiveness, reflect on it, and ask for His help to do what is right. Still, we may also acknowledge the times when we seem to have little progress in virtues because of falling to the same sins. Despite this, we should not be worried but remain hopeful in the Lord. We cannot be saints just in a day. When we see our imperfections, let's remember that we are still in the process of purification. Let's remember that the disciples did not become courageous and faithful apostles in just a single day or night. It took them 3 years with Christ, and it was only in the descent of the Holy Spirit that they had stronger faith. Despite seeing our faults, what's important is we remain calm and patient with ourselves because God is guiding us gently in our spiritual journey. To see in our eyes our own imperfections helps us to be more humble, to acknowledge that on our own, we cannot understand, and to depend on God even more. If we always persevere with patience, we will understand everything once we see God at the end of our journey. 

Amen +

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic

Saints Cyril, Monk, and Methodius, Bishop—Memorial: 

https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year/february-14-saints-cyril-monk-and-methodius-bishop/

Examination of Conscience and Guide to Sacrament of Confession:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/

Ultimate Catholic Parents Guide:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ls6IcexZAls

Summary and Defense of Catholic Teachings:

https://www.catholic.com/tract/pillar-of-fire-pillar-of-truth