Feb. 15, 2011 Tuesday: Hardened 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?

Why does the Lord warn against 'leaven' of the Pharisees?
Just as leaven makes bread rise--increase--the leaven the Pharisees were 'using' that is preaching--was 'increasing' their followers to their way of thinking. However, their leaven was 'harmful' leaven. They were spreading false teachings and beliefs.

Why does the Lord refer to the Pharisees of having 'hardness of heart'?
The Pharisees were false teachers, full of pride, self-absorbed, ruler of the people, strict with the law, and thought they could do no wrong. They did not have compassion or understand justice, mercy, or faith. They did not understand that to love God included loving all of His children. Their hearts were hardened.

Some of our hearts are hardened as well. Many of us perform many works of mercy but we may still be blind to many who are poor. We must continue to deepen our love for Our Lord and increase our love for our neighbor.