TUESDAY, SIXTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
Memorial of Saints Cyril and Methodius, Bishops
Gn 6: 5-8; 7: 1-5, 10; Ps 29: 1-4, 9-10; Mk 8: 14-21
FINDING FAVOUR WITH GOD
Noah found favour with God (Gen 6:8). This is one of the most pleasant acknowledgements that any human being can get. At the time of the Baptism of Jesus in Jordan, the Father proclaimed with great joy: You are my well beloved son, I am pleased with you. Yes, Jesus found favour with God. The announcement of angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary also contained the same language: Rejoice favoured one. Mary also found favour with God. Paul reminded his communities to discern what is pleasing to God (Eph 5:10) and live in a manner that is fully pleasing to God (Col 1:10). Yes, the Father was happy with Jesus, with Mary and with Noah.
We should also notice the social circumstance of Noah. It was a time of much evil and God regretted creating humans. Even while living among such a wicked, unfaithful, ungodly generation Noah resolved to live a life that is pleasing to God. When nobody walked in the ways of God, Noah did what was pleasing to God. Noah did just as the Lord had commanded him (Gen 7:5). God was pleased with Noah because he was obedient. When God revealed his plan of great rain and flood to him, Noah believed and trusted in the providence of God in completing the herculean task of making a huge ship and bringing pairs of all types of animals and birds. Noah loved God supremely. Jesus also was obedient unto his death (Ph 2:8).
In today’s Gospel, Jesus asks the disciples to remain conscious of the wickedness of the Pharisees and the Goodness of God. The leaven of the Pharisees means their evilness. Leaven symbolises malice and evil (1 Cor 5:8). The Pharisees focussed on the mistakes of people and their punishment. But Jesus was concerned with rectifying what was lacking in the people. He came not to take but to give. We are invited to trust in the providence of God, believe in his power and obey his words following the example of Noah and find favour with God.
Response: The Lord will bless his people with peace.
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