The Hating Of Love
Tuesday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time
My dear encountered couples:
Jesus speaks of the “leaven” of the Pharisees and Herod. The word “leaven” sometimes is used to symbolize the teachings and hypocrisy of the leaders. Here it seems to refer to the deep-seated hostility toward Jesus by the Pharisees and Herod.
Those who fall into the habit of self-seeking are repelled by the threat of love. They do not understand the treasure of sincere love because they have never given it a real try. Maybe they see it as an enslavement to another, or the stripping of themselves from all they own to be given to another. Whatever it is, the selfish fear love. Fear of this kind can breed hate.
Jesus loved much too much as far as they were concerned. If he got his way, they would all lose their positions of power and all their money would go to the poor. Eliminate him and those who believe his way. That is the “yeast” Jesus speaks of here.
This hate is still present in the world. The values of the world are in direct opposition to those of Christ. Since you accept Christ, you too are an object of hate. But you stand with God. You have nothing to fear. They stand alone. Trust in God, pray for those who reject him. Pray that they too may accept and experience the value of his true love and care.
