The leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Sixth  Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Mk 8:14-21*

*First Reading : Gn 6:5-8; 7:1-5, 10*

*Responsorial Psalm - Ps 29:1a and 2, 3ac-4, 3b and 9c-10*

*The leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod*

*1) The Leaven of the Pharisees: Hypocrisy and Legalism*

In Luke 12:1, Jesus explicitly defines the leaven of the Pharisees as hypocrisy. 

The Pharisees were religious leaders who outwardly upheld the Law but were inwardly corrupt.

Their self-righteousness and legalism blinded them to the true meaning of God's commandments (Matthew 23:27-28).

Jesus warns His disciples not to adopt a faith that is merely external, focusing on rules while missing the heart of God's love and mercy (Micah 6:8).

*2) The Leaven of Herod: Worldliness and Compromise*

Herod and his followers represented political power, moral corruption, and compromise with the Roman world.

Herod Antipas, who ruled during Jesus' time, was known for lust, ambition, and disregard for righteousness

The Herodian spirit represents a mindset that seeks to mix faith with worldly ambition and power, often at the cost of truth.

*3) Why Does Jesus Mention Both?*

The Pharisees and Herodians were normally opposed to each other, yet both were dangerous in different ways.

Pharisaic leaven is religious deception, while Herodian leaven is secular corruption—both can infiltrate a believer’s heart.

Jesus warns that His disciples must avoid both extremes:

A faith based on empty traditions and self-righteousness (Pharisees).

A faith corrupted by political ambition and moral compromise (Herod).

*4) How This Applies Today*

Some today fall into the Pharisaic trap: focusing on rules, judgment, and outward religious identity while neglecting the heart of love, grace, and truth.

Others fall into the Herodian trap: compromising faith for power, prestige, and pleasure, losing the radical call to discipleship.

Jesus calls us to a pure faith that is neither hypocritical nor worldly, but one rooted in truth, love, and the kingdom of God.

*5) The Antidote to the Leaven*

Jesus Himself is the true Bread of Life (John 6:35).

Instead of the leaven of hypocrisy or worldliness, we are to be filled with the leaven of the Kingdom of God (Matthew 13:33).

A heart transformed by Christ will bear the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) rather than the corruption of legalism or worldliness.

*6) My Mission*

Jesus' warning about the leaven of the Pharisees and Herod remains relevant today. 

He calls us to a faith that is authentic, humble, and wholly devoted to God, avoiding both religious pride and worldly compromise. 

Instead of being influenced by these corrupting forces, we are called to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16), reflecting the purity of Christ in a world that needs Him.

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*