Courage under persecution

AT that time: So many people were crowding together that they were trampling one another underfoot. Jesus began to speak, first to his disciples, “Beware of the leaven — that is, the hypocrisy — of the Pharisees.

“There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have said in the darkness will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be proclaimed on the housetops. I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body but after that can do no more. I shall show you whom to fear. Be afraid of the one who after killing has the power to cast into Gehenna; yes, I tell you, be afraid of that one. Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins? Yet not one of them has escaped the notice of God. Even the hairs of your head have all been counted. Do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows.”

REFLECTION THE LEAVEN… OF THE PHARISEES. A leaven (Hebrew hametz, Greek zyme) is a substance added to dough or liquids to produce fermentation. Figuratively, it is an element or admixture that tempers, moderates, and corrupts or otherwise changes the whole by a progressive inward operation. The Israelite is forbidden to eat leavened bread or to have it in his possession or household during the Passover season. Unleavened bread was used because of the haste in which the Hebrews left Egypt (cf Ex 12:34-39).

“Leaven” is used in a good sense in the parable of the Leaven in which Jesus likens the silent, unrelenting growth of the Kingdom of God among human beings to the pervasive action of the yeast (cf Lk 13:20-21). Generally, however, the New Testament associates the leaven with “fermentation” and with political and moral corruption.

The disciples of Jesus are warned to beware of the leaven of Herod and of the Pharisees. For Jesus, the leaven of the Pharisees is hypocrisy. It is a hidden yet powerful force beneath their virtuous veneer. It bears the fruit of corruption. While the Pharisees camouflage their intentions by outward show, hypocrisy will not work for the disciples of Jesus. They cannot hide anything from God: “There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known.” The only way then is to be transparent in one’s conviction.

SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord 2018,” ST. PAULS Philippines, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 895-9701; Fax 895-7328; E-mail: books@stpauls.ph; Website: http://www. stpauls.ph.