My brothers and sisters in Christ, today’s readings offer us a sobering, yet ultimately hopeful, reflection on the human condition and the boundless mercy of God. We see the devastating consequences of sin, the depths of human depravity, and, shining through the darkness, the unwavering light of God’s love and compassion.
Genesis paints a grim picture. We've moved from the initial sin of Cain to the world teetering on the brink of destruction. “When the Lord saw how great was man’s wickedness on earth, and how no desire that his heart conceived was ever anything but evil, he regretted that he had made man on the earth, and his heart was grieved.” This is not a casual disappointment. This is the sorrow of a Father who loves His children, seeing them turn away from his goodness and towards darkness. The Hebrew word used here to describe God's "regret" is one of deep anguish, a profound sorrow that only a loving creator can feel for the corruption of what He has made.
The Lord, in his justice and his grief, resolves to cleanse the earth. But even in judgment, we see the glimmer of hope. “But Noah found favour with the LORD.” Noah, a righteous man, is spared. He represents the remnant, the seed of a new beginning. God, in his mercy, chooses to preserve life, to offer a second chance. This is evidenced in the command to build the ark,
to gather the animals, to ensure the survival of creation. It's a covenant, a promise: a promise to never again destroy the earth by flood, a promise to never abandon his children completely.
The psalm today, Psalm 29, beautifully captures the power and majesty of God, even in the midst of the storm. “The voice of the Lord is over the waters… the Lord is enthroned above the flood; the Lord is enthroned as king forever.” This psalm reminds us that even in the face of chaos and destruction, God remains in control. His voice, powerful and majestic, thunders over the waters, a symbol of both judgment and purification. It is the Lord who blesses his people with peace.
Our Gospel today, from Mark, seems at first to be a sharp rebuke of the disciples. Jesus warns them about the "leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod." The disciples misunderstand, focusing on the literal lack of bread. They are more worried about physical sustenance than spiritual nourishment. Jesus, disappointed, asks them, “Do you not yet understand or comprehend? Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes and not see, ears and not hear?” He points to the miracles of the loaves and fishes, where God miraculously provided and sustained. Jesus challenges them to look beyond the immediate and recognize the deeper spiritual truths. Their inability to grasp the significance of his actions is a cautionary tale for us, reminding us to look beyond the surface and the exteriority of things and focus on the deeper spiritual realities. We, too, can become blinded by the "leaven" of worldly concerns, the pride of the Pharisees, the temptations of Herod, neglecting the sustenance of our souls.
We are reminded that even in the face of darkness, even in the midst of our own failures, God's love remains a lighthouse to bring us safely home through rough seas and the storms of life. We must open our hearts and minds to Jesus’ teaching, and like the disciples, seek to truly understand and comprehend God's love. Let us turn to Him, ask for His mercy, and strive to live a life that reflects His love. Let us love and serve Him, so that, like Noah, we may continue to find favour in His eyes and continue to be granted the peace and blessings He promises. Amen.
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