How does it feel to be God? There are many times when humans must disappoint him - just look at what we do to our world and to one another. According to the story, God regrets ever having created humans and resolves to wipe the slate clean and start over. But even then there are those who please God and do his will - Noah and his family. Noah will build the foundation of a new world after the flood. It is questionable whether there was a universal flood and doubtful that God would wipe out all of humanity. These sorts of stories were common in the ancient world. But it is certainly true that our actions matter and they have an impact on the whole world. If we do not act as responsible stewards God does not have to punish us - we will do that ourselves! Let us resolve each day to 'be Noah' - one intent on doing God's will and serving humanity.

So many new and beautiful ideas fall apart and fail. What happens? A little bit of yeast can transform the whole lump of dough. The yeast of the Pharisees and Herodians represent old, negative ways of thinking - and just a little bit can affect our mind and heart in dramatic ways. It is not enough just to do good things - we need to also think in constructive, positive, open, and loving ways. Otherwise the old yeast can damage even the best of intentions. Perhaps we can observe our thoughts throughout the day and make an effort to change the way we think. We create the world we experience.