About the yeast

Two things today.

The Yeast.
Just recently in the sequence of readings the story of the loaves and fishes was prominent followed by a later reading where the disciples were described as not understanding about those loaves and fishes.
So here we have an explanation about bread that they still don't understand. Using a metaphor with something right to hand, Jesus talks about yeast. Bread uses a small amount of yeast to make the dough rise. The small amount is worked through the whole bread and has an effect that seems oversized compared to the amount put into the loaf.

The yeast of the pharisees and Herod are both horrible for the people. But they are also the holders of the power in that time. We can take from this we ought to be careful of leadership that poisons rather than raises our culture, our people. Do your leaders - church, school, work, political - cause you to be better people; more loving; more peaceful; more like Jesus? If not, be careful of the cues you take from them. Cheating, stealing, and hating are all the opposite of what Jesus preached.

The Loaves
The 5 loaves and 2 fish used to feed 5000 left 12 baskets full. My theory: If one considers 12 to represent either the disciples or the tribes of Israel, then the small starting amount, is enough for all as long as we follow what Jesus said and share it out. Scarcity is a false notion we live in abundance and still hoard what we have. Also notice that 5 loaves and 2 fish makes 7 items of food.

The 7 loaves for 4000 that left over 7 baskets full is another metaphor. 7 represents the fullness of a thing. 7 days of Creation; 7 miles on the road to Emmaus; 77 the number of times we ought to forgive another; and so many other examples.

We already have all we need to care for everyone.
In fact when we do share we end up with more for all.