“And do you not remember?"

Today’s theme, “And do you not remember?”, is both a question and a gentle rebuke. In the Gospel of Gospel of Mark (8:14–21), the disciples are worried because they forgot to bring enough bread. Meanwhile, they are sitting in the boat with the One who multiplied loaves twice. Jesus is not upset about the bread; He is concerned about their hearts. “Do you not remember?” He asks. Memory, in the spiritual life, is not just recalling facts, it is remembering God’s faithfulness. In the Letter of Epistle of James (1:12–18), we are reminded that temptation does not come from God. God gives only what is good. Every perfect gift comes from the “Father of lights.” When we forget this, we begin to blame God for our struggles or doubt His care. Forgetfulness leads to fear. Fear leads to hardened hearts. But remembrance restores trust. How often are we like the disciples? We panic over today’s lack and forget yesterday’s miracle. We focus on the one loaf in the boat and ignore the Lord who is present. Jesus invites us to remember: remember the times He provided, the prayers He answered, the strength He gave in temptation. As I said yesterday, spiritual maturity is not the absence of storms; it is the ability to remember God’s goodness in the middle of them. Today we also celebrate the Memorial of the Seven Founders of the Order of Servites, known formally as the Order of the Servants of Mary. These seven men in 13th-century Florence left their successful lives to dedicate themselves to prayer and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. They remembered something the world had forgotten: that life is not about status or wealth, but about service. In a time of political conflict and social unrest, they chose withdrawal, prayer, fraternity, and penance. Their remembrance of God reshaped their lives. The Servites teach us that remembering leads to service. When we remember God’s mercy, we become merciful. When we remember His patience, we become patient. When we remember that every good gift comes from Him, we stop grasping and start giving. Today, let us ask for the grace of holy memory. In moments of temptation, remember God’s promises. In moments of anxiety, remember His providence. In moments of confusion, remember His past miracles. And like the Servite founders, may our remembrance lead us to a life of humble service.