… “Do you still not realise?” Mark 8:21
What else did Jesus have to do to prove his divinity and power? The Pharisees wanted a sign. The Lord has already shown great acts of compassion and mercy that they could not match. Multitudes of people have seen and experienced these things. The word about this goodness has been spread even when he wanted it to be silenced. The Pharisees request was inexcusable. The religious establishment could not fathom the idea that selfless love was a greater sign of divine power than an act of nature done on their human request.
Grilled Mushrooms & Cheese (© John Gresham)
As bad as it was that the Lord’s opponents didn’t realise this, his companions also failed to see the power of divine love. They were too busy thinking about earthly sustenance even though divine love has proven more powerful than that. The math of the previous bread miracles should have been evident enough to the disciples. It was also inexcusable for them to have so quickly forgotten the lessons they saw first hand.
Are we more concerned with our positions and piety that we forget to be compassionate and merciful? Are we so worried about practical matters that we are forgetful of the spirit that makes the practical possible with abundant providence? There is much bad yeast among us. May it not grow inside of us.
Yours in Christ
Brother Cyprian Bluemood
Order of Saint-Simon of Cyrene
