Our scripture readings this morning highlight the importance
of turning away from sin and trusting in the Lord.
In the account of Noah, we recall a moment in history when
humanity’s wickedness had reached such a level that the Lord was “grieved” in
His heart. Yet, among the corruption, Noah stood out for his faithfulness. He
obeyed God’s command to build an ark, trusting that divine justice and mercy
would prevail.
Our sin not only displeases God, it can lead to our ruin.
But, like the purification God enacted through the waters of the flood, God
desires to flood us with purification, that we may be free from our
self-destructive ways, and live in a relationship of renewed trust. Like Noah,
we need to trust that God desires to rescue us from sin, so that a new life of
holiness might flourish.
In the Gospel passage, Jesus similarly warns His disciples
to “guard against the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.” Leaven,
or yeast, is a small ingredient, yet it permeates an entire batch of dough.
Jesus uses it as a metaphor for the subtle power of sin and spiritual
corruption. The Pharisees, with their hypocrisy and pride, and Herod, with his
worldly ambitions and moral compromise, represent two faces of sin that can deteriorate
and distort our relationship with God.
Both Noah’s story and the Lord’s warning highlight the seriousness of sin and
the need to do something about it. Much like Noah had to build and enter the
ark to escape the destructive waters, we are called to take deliberate steps to
rid ourselves of sin’s influence. This often requires self-examination,
repentance, and vigilance. The Lord asks us, “Are your hearts hardened?”.
Signs of a hardened heart might include a failure to
empathize with the suffering of others, a resistance to acknowledge one’s
personal faults or accept guidance, holding on to grudges, bitterness about
past hurts, unwillingness to reconcile, spiritual apathy, and habitual sin
without remorse.
Ultimately, guarding ourselves against sin—against the
“leaven” that corrupts—means living in humble obedience to God’s will. We
examine our attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors, uprooting what leads us away
from God and replacing it with virtue, prayer, and a heart open to grace and
the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Seriousness about uprooting sin and
selfishness allows us to experience the fullness of life the Lord desires for
us, a life marked by spiritual integrity, peace, and a deeper union with Him
for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.
With hearts open to God’s grace, let us offer our prayers
for ourselves and for the world:
For the Church: That she may always guard against spiritual
corruption, proclaiming the Gospel with humility and integrity, and guiding the
faithful to turn away from sin and trust in the Lord’s mercy.
For leaders in our society and world: That they may resist
the “leaven” of pride and ambition, serving the common good with honesty and
compassion, and promoting justice for all people.
For those trapped by sin or harmful habits: That, they may
respond to God’s call, trusting that He desires to rescue them from the flood
of destruction and lead them to a life of holiness.
For the sick, the lonely, and those in need: that they may
be open to the healing and strength that comes from a relationship of deep
faith in God.
For all who have died: That they may receive the fullness of
life promised by Christ, especially N.
Heavenly Father, you call us to trust in your saving power
and turn away from whatever leads us from you. Hear our prayers, and grant us
the grace to guard our hearts from sin, living in humble obedience and love. We
ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
