DO YOU STILL NOT UNDERSTAND?
"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 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? And do you not remember?...... “Do you still not understand?” (Mark 8: 17 - 18, 21).
We are grateful for this incident because Jesus used it as a teaching moment to coach us on the importance of understanding, remembering and having an open mind and heart if we are to grow in religious truth.
Why do we forget so often details of God's past mercies? I find personally that even when I write the favors in my journal, I still forget. I do better when I ask the Holy Spirit to remind me of the favors I have enjoyed from God.
"The Advocate, the holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name—he will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you." (John 14: 26).
This promise of Jesus is the ground for my hope when it comes to understanding and remembering the teachings of Jesus. How does this work? I ask the Holy Spirit to give me understanding and bring to my memory the wonderful things God has done for me.
I resolve never to forget "my ancient landmarks."(Proverbs 22: 28). I keep a journal.
“Do you still not understand?” (Mark 8: 21)
Consider carefully the above question of Jesus for us as we start Lent 2024:
"Do you not yet understand or comprehend? Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes and not see, ears and not hear? And do you not remember?..... “Do you still not understand?” (Mark 8: 17 - 18, 21).
The great Season of Lent starts tomorrow Wednesday with Ash Wednesday. You may experience dramatic change in your mind set by using the words below as self-talk.
"I let go of my desire for security."
"I let go of my desire for affection."
"I let go of my desire for control ."
"I let go of my desire to change the situation."
"I let go of my desire for perfect health."
"I let go of my desire for perfect family harmony."
"I let go of my desire for the perfect job."
"I surrender, I trust and I obey."
(Inspired from the book of Fr. Thomas Keating).
"Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them." (John 13: 17)
Change happens not because of what you know but because of what you do daily.
For Devotional prayer and prayer intentions to the Holy Family, click the link below:
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