We are told by St. Paul that we are to get rid of the old leaven. Jesus told the apostles to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and that of Herod. As we are about to enter into the Lenten season, this would be a good focus for us to have. What was the leaven of the Pharisees? Pride, refusal to believe, stubborn of heart, self-righteousness, elitism, held to the letter of the Law rather than the spirit of the Law, critical, negative and judgmental attitude. What was the leaven of Herod? Worldliness, sensuality, seeking to be self-satisfied, refusing to respond to the truth, when told, giving in to what others may think of him. These are just some of faults of the Pharisees and Herod. During Lent we are called to look  into our own hearts and honestly identify the leaven within us that corrupts us, separating us from the relationship with God that he desires.