“Clear out the old yeast, so that you may become a fresh batch of dough, in as much as you are unleavened. For our Paschal lamb, Christ has been sacrificed.” - 1 Cor 5:7.
Yeast, which induces fermentation, is a natural symbol for a source of corruption that becomes all-pervasive. Yeast is often found in our daily lives and is mostly used to make a variety of dough, especially when making bread. The yeast that people use should also be a good one. If the yeast has been kept for too long, it would affect the dough instead of expanding.
We know that in the Jewish calendar, Passover was followed immediately by the Festival of Unleavened Bread. In preparation for this feast, all traces of old bread was removed from the house, and during the festival, only unleavened bread was eaten. The sequence of these two feasts provides Paul with an image of Christian existence; Christ’s death ( the true Passover celebration) is followed by the life of the Christian community - marked by newness, purity, and integrity ( a perpetual feast on unleavened bread).
Saint Paul wants to remain us that in order to become a fresh batch of dough, we have to clear out the old yeast within us. To become a true person of God means willing to die from our anxieties, egos, anger, self-centeredness, and lust. We are willing to give up everything that we have, sacrifice, and give away what we love or even those very dear to us for the sake of others and the kingdom of God. Every time, Jesus Christ the true Passover invites us to celebrate the feast, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth ( Verse 8). Sometimes it is not easy to give up ideas, things that become our defense. But we believe that with Christ, we can overcome everything.
Reflection on 1 Corinthians 5:1-13 by Sr. Maria Venidora SND
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