MONTHLY DEVOTIONAL FOR 18 FEBRUARY
February 18, 2025
SAINT BARBATUS OF BENEVENTO – 19 FEBRUARY
February 19, 2025
TODAY’S GOSPEL READING
18 FEBRUARY 2025
Mark 8:14-21
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?
And do you not remember,
when I broke the five loaves for the five thousand,
how many wicker baskets full of fragments you picked up?”
They answered him, “Twelve.”
“When I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand,
how many full baskets of fragments did you pick up?”
They answered him, “Seven.”
He said to them, “Do you still not understand?”
THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD!
REFLECTION
In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus warns His disciples about the “yeast of the Pharisees and Herod,” yet they misunderstand and worry about not having enough bread. Jesus reminds them of the miracles He performed—feeding thousands with just a few loaves—challenging them to see beyond their immediate concerns and trust in Him fully. This passage calls us to recognize God’s provision and to guard our hearts against spiritual blindness and doubt.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, You have shown us time and again that You are our provider, yet we often worry about earthly needs. Open our eyes to see Your presence in our lives and deepen our faith in You. Help us to trust in Your provision and to be wary of influences that lead us away from Your truth. May we rely on You completely, knowing that You are more than enough. Amen
