From Living Faith Daily Catholic Devotions (July/August/September 2026)

23rd Week in Ordinary Time

1 Corinthians 5:1-8 + Psalm 5:5-7, 12 + Luke 6:6-11

‘A Little Yeast’

Do you not know that a little yeast leavens all the dough?

Clear out the old yeast, so that you may become a fresh batch of dough, in as much as you are unleavened. 1 Corinthians 5:6-7

Every Sunday, I make a loaf or artisan bread. Flour, water, fresh yeast, salt and a few other common ingredients mixed together and left on the counter soon triples in size. Nothing extravagant has been added to the dough, and no tiresome kneading is necessary. the aroma of the baking bread is hard to resist and draws everyone to the kitchen when it comes out of the oven.

St. Paul reminds us that like fresh yeast in the bread dough, followers of Jesus can transform their families and communities. We don’t boast about or past victories or wallow in criticism over anyone’s imperfections. But we can admit our own failures, toss out old grievances and pray for forgiveness. Only then can the extraordinary happen. Renewed by God’s grace, we will begin again, transforming our environment through the compassion of Christ.

□ Deborah A. Meister