In coming to the other side of the sea, the disciples had forgotten to bring bread. Jesus said to them, "Look out, and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees." They concluded among themselves, saying, "It is because we have brought no bread." When Jesus became aware of this he said, "You of little faith, why do you conclude among yourselves that it is because you have no bread? Do you not yet understand, and do you not remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many wicker baskets you took up? Or, the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many baskets you took up? How do you not comprehend that I was not speaking to you about bread? Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees." Then they understood that he was not telling them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.  

"Take time to realize that I am on your side. If you just realize what I just realized, then we’d be perfect for each other, and will never find another; we’d never have to wonder if we missed out on each other now. If you meet me half way, it could be the same for you." 

If there was one thing that had to happen with Jesus' immediate disciples, since they were to convey his teachings to others, it was an understanding of why he said and did the things he did. Consequently, several times in the Gospels, Jesus asks his disciples whether they understand, whether they realize what he was doing or saying or thinking. In this passage, it was a matter of understanding that his teaching was very different from the teaching of the religious leaders of their time. He tells them, in terms of Colbie Caillat's song: "Take time to realize." That is, take the time to understand, and you will see what is really happening.

Colbie Caillat's song is a pleasant love song with a happy ending, as one judges that both of them will finally realize that they were meant for each other. The word to concentrate on is the title of the song, "Realize." It is one of the most important words in any relationship and in any leadership understanding. People must realize important things in life, and once they do, their lives will take a turn for the better. In order to function well in our world, we must understand what is really happening. Colbie Caillat describes it by saying, "Take time to realize." For her, if her friend realized how she felt about him, there would be no question as to what to do. They would be together, and life would be happy.

Whether we are speaking of romantic relationships or religious doctrines or any leadership experience, before any accomplishment, we first of all must understand or realize what is truly happening. Colbie Caillat's words to "take time to realize" are of significant importance as we mature. We must be able to look at the big picture, the global view of where we are and why we are part of it, and what our role is within it. We have to search into the teachings that are spoken to us and ask ourselves some serious questions about our lives and the lives of others. We have to study what is going on around us, not from the point of view of facts, but from the focus of motivation--why people think the way they do, and why things happen the way they do. In short, we have to understand the deep implications of the life that is happening to us and around us. And to do it well, we must give it the time it takes.

Perhaps it will take our whole lives. Maybe we can accomplish it sooner. But at some time in our maturing process, we will have to realize what is really happening. And when we do, we will see the importance of God and what God wants of us as we live in this world and get ready for the next.       

THOUGHT
 
PRAYER

Good and gracious God, your Son wanted us to understand what he taught because he wanted us to understand our lives. He wanted us to see why we think, act and say the things we do. Give us the grace to look deeply within ourselves and thus realize what you want of us. Be with us, we pray.  

Questions, comments? Let me know. Email Fr. Mike

©2007 Capuchin Province of Mid-America
Fr. Mike Scully is a member of the Capuchin Province of Mid-America