Mark 8:14-21

Reflection

As Jesus and the disciples journey in their boat, they discover they only have one loaf of bread. Jesus warns them to beware of the Pharisees’ leaven. He also recounts the leftover baskets of food from the two miracles of feeding thousands of people, yet the disciples don’t seem to understand.

In this Gospel, Jesus asks the disciples if their hearts are hardened. They don’t seem to understand what Jesus is trying to tell them. Often, we can have hardened hearts as well. Unwilling to listen or follow the Lord’s calling, we remain stuck. Jesus is always teaching and showing us his love in some way. We have to be willing to open ourselves to him, even when we don’t want to.

Jesus’ ways and teachings are the way to holiness and heaven. Pray for an open and willing heart to accept them always. The Lord doesn’t want your heart hardened against him. He is gentle and kind, calling you to his loving embrace daily.

Saint of the Day

St. Agatha Lin: 1817 – 1858

St. Agatha was a Chinese woman born to Catholic parents. She became a religious sister at 25 and subsequently opened a school. Considered one of the first evangelists and catechists to the Maio people, she was beheaded for the Faith. St. Agatha Lin, pray for us!