Daily Catholic Lectio. Tue, 18 February ’25. Do you still not understand?

Daily Catholic Lectio

Tue, 18 February ‘25

Sixth Week in Ordinary Time – Tuesday

Genesis 6:5-8, 7:1-5, 10. Psalm 29. Mark 8:14-21

Do you still not understand?

In today’s Gospel reading, we see a striking contrast:

The crowds who witness Jesus’ miracles declare, “He has done everything well!” But His own disciples, who are closest to Him, fail to understand who He truly is. Mark vividly portrays the disciples’ lack of understanding—they either fail to grasp Jesus’ identity or misinterpret His words.

The disciples’ misunderstanding

In today’s passage, Jesus and His disciples are in a boat. Jesus warns them: “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod!”

Here, “leaven” is a metaphor for: The hypocrisy of the Pharisees. The hostility and political cunning of Herod’s followers. However, the disciples fail to understand this symbolic message.

Instead of asking Jesus for clarification, they misinterpret His words literally and begin discussing their lack of bread. They completely miss the point—the One who miraculously multiplied bread is with them, yet they worry about not having enough food!

Jesus, frustrated by their lack of insight, asks: “Do you still not understand?”

This question is not just directed at His disciples—it is meant for us as well.

The first reading: The sorrow of God

In today’s first reading (cf. Gen 6:5-8, 7:1-5, 10), we hear about God’s sorrow over humanity’s increasing wickedness: “The Lord saw that the wickedness of humankind was great on the earth, and that every thought of their heart was inclined toward evil continually. The Lord regretted making humans on earth, and His heart was deeply grieved.”

This passage shows how human thoughts shape actions. 

When the heart is filled with evil, it leads to corruption. When the mind is clouded by negative thoughts, it distorts perception. Just as the disciples’ confusion prevented them from recognizing Jesus, our own distractions, anxieties, and frustrations can prevent us from seeing God’s presence in our lives.

What lessons can we learn?

Our worries and frustrations can block our understanding. The disciples were so focused on their lack of bread that they failed to recognize the Bread of Life among them. We often allow our daily struggles to blind us to God’s presence.

We easily forget that God is with us. Just as the disciples forgot Jesus’ power, we too forget that God provides even when we lack something. Instead of trusting in Him, we get consumed by immediate concerns.

Are we aware of the thoughts shaping our hearts? The first reading warns that the thoughts of the human heart determine the course of life. What fills our mind and heart? Are we dwelling on faith, gratitude, and trust—or on doubt, fear, and negativity?

A final reflection

Today, Jesus asks us: “Do you still not understand?” Have we learned to trust in Him?

Are we paying attention to His presence in our lives? Do we recognize the signs of His love and guidance, or are we too distracted by our worries? When we open our hearts, we will see that God has been with us all along.

Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi

Archdiocese of Madurai

Missionary of Mercy