In today's gospel reading, we hear Jesus reproaching the disciples for their mindlessness and lack of faith, which put them in danger of becoming like the Pharisees.

Some background is called for here. After the two multiplications of loaves, thousands of people have rediscovered hope and are being transformed. God has visited the poor. But the Pharisees, a powerful and most elitist group in Jewish society, do not see the fruits of Jesus's teaching. Instead, in order to embarrass Jesus, they ask for some heavenly sign (v.8-10). The Pharisees are fully convinced of their own righteousness (Luke 18:9), and they seek a type of holiness based on rules, alms and services and expect God to treat them in a special way. Jesus tells his disciples to beware of the influence of the Pharisees. But the disciples do not listen, because they are more concerned about the food.