Having and yet Not Having

Today’s Gospel:  Now they had forgotten to bring bread; and they had only one loaf with them in the boat. 15 And he cautioned them, saying, "Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod." 16 And they discussed it with one another, saying, "We have no bread." 17 And being aware of it, Jesus said to them, "Why do you discuss the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? 18 Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear? And do you not remember? 19 When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?" They said to him, "Twelve." 20 "And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?" And they said to him, "Seven." 21 And he said to them, "Do you not yet understand?" Mark 8:14-21

Reflection: The gospel reading in vs. 14 reveals something very interesting; “They had forgotten to bring bread; and they had only one loaf with them in the boat.” And then in vs.16; "We have no bread."  Did they really have no bread, how could such a lie be inserted in the scriptures? 

I was returning from a meeting back to my room and wanted some important papers which were in the cupboard and I knew I had the key of the cupboard with me. But when I reached my door, I realized that though I had the key of the cupboard, I did not have the key of the door and hence it was a situation of not having the key of the cupboard.

Life itself is a constant pilgrim walk where in we have things and yet we do not have. Some children may have parents and yet it is like having none. Some people may have food but yet it is like having none. Some people may have a big bank balance and yet it is like having and yet not having.

Someone may claim that by faith they are saved but it would be foolish to think that they are already saved by the saving action of Jesus. We have it with us and not yet, for it is as if we don’t have it unless we allow this same Jesus to accomplish this saving work of his completely in us by cooperating with the life giving spirit at work in those who believe.

The apostles had experienced the saving power too when they saw Jesus feed the multitude but they could not sustain this salvific action in their lives for long. Especially, when they came face to face with the reality of daily life and Jesus had to reprimand them.

Therefore St. Paul exhorts us to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for God is at work in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”  Phil 2:12-13

Prayer:  Lord, may I not receive your give gift once and for all and thus reject it in my life.

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