The Holy Martyr Callinicus.
1 Corinthians 10:5-12; Matthew 16:6-12.
Read Matthew 16:6-12
Jesus loved to use parables and imagery to teach His disciples. When He said to “beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees,” His disciples immediately thought He was talking about bread (Mt. 16:6-8). However, Jesus explained that He was not talking about bread but rather the teachings of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Jesus spoke of “leaven” metaphorically to signify “teachings.”
Elsewhere in the scriptures, the image of “leaven” is used. For example, St. Paul writes to the Corinthians: “Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens all the dough? Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be new dough, as you really are unleavened” (1 Cor. 5:6-7). And to the Galatians he writes: “A little leaven leavens all the dough” (Gal. 5:9). Just a little bit of old or bad leaven spoils the entire loaf. Likewise, incorrect teachings and understandings can affect our faith and churches.
Let us make sure we are not guilty of bringing any “old leaven” into our parishes. Let us heed Jesus’s warning to “beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Even though we do not encounter the Pharisees and Sadducees today, let us beware of all those who spread unorthodox teachings like wolves in sheep’s clothing.