Daily Readings - Mon Feb 13 2023
Genesis
1Truly, Adam knew his wife Eve, who conceived and gave birth to Cain, saying, "I have obtained a man through God.2And again she gave birth to his brother Abel. But Abel was a pastor of sheep, and Cain was a farmer3Then it happened, after many days, that Cain offered gifts to the Lord, from the fruits of the earth4Abel likewise offered from the firstborn of his flock, and from their fat. And the Lord looked with favor on Abel and his gifts5Yet in truth, he did not look with favor on Cain and his gifts. And Cain was vehemently angry, and his countenance fell6And the Lord said to him: "Why are you angry? And why is your face fallen7If you behave well, will you not receive? But if you behave badly, will not sin at once be present at the door? And so its desire will be within you, and you will be dominated by it.8And Cain said to his brother Abel, "Let us go outside." And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel, and he put him to death9And the Lord said to Cain, "Where is your brother Abel?" And he responded: "I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?10And he said to him: "What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood cries out to me from the land11Now, therefore, you will be cursed upon the land, which opened its mouth and received the blood of your brother at your hand12When you work it, it will not give you its fruit; a vagrant and a fugitive shall you be upon the land.13And Cain said to the Lord: "My iniquity is too great to deserve kindness14Behold, you have cast me out this day before the face of the earth, and from your face I will be hidden; and I will be a vagrant and a fugitive on the earth. Therefore, anyone who finds me will kill me.15And the Lord said to him: "By no means will it be so; rather, whoever would kill Cain, will be punished sevenfold." And the Lord placed a seal upon Cain, so that anyone who found him would not put him to death25Adam also knew his wife again, and she gave birth to a son, and she called his name Seth, saying, "God has given me another offspring, in place of Abel, whom Cain killed.
Mark
11And the Pharisees went out and began to contend with him, seeking from him a sign from heaven, testing him12And sighing deeply in spirit, he said: "Why does this generation seek a sign? Amen, I say to you, if only a sign will be given to this generation!13And sending them away, he climbed into the boat again, and he went away across the sea
Sermon
The first reading from Genesis tells the story of Cain and Abel, the first brothers, whose lives take a tragic turn due to jealousy and anger. Cain, a farmer, becomes envious when God favors Abel's offering over his own. This jealousy leads Cain to commit the first murder, killing his brother Abel. When questioned by God, Cain denies responsibility, and as a result, he is cursed to wander the earth. Yet, even in this darkness, God shows mercy by protecting Cain from harm. The reading reminds us of the consequences of sin and the enduring presence of God's grace, even in the face of human failure.
The Gospel reading from Mark presents a different kind of conflict, as the Pharisees challenge Jesus by demanding a sign from heaven. Jesus, sensing their hardness of heart, responds with frustration, declaring that no sign will be given to this generation. This exchange highlights the spiritual blindness of those who refuse to see the signs already present in Jesus' teachings and miracles. Like the Pharisees, we often seek proof or comfort before committing to faith, but Jesus calls us to trust in his word and the works he has already done.
Both readings invite us to reflect on the state of our hearts. Cain's story warns us about the dangers of envy and anger, which can lead us away from God and harm others. The Gospel, on the other hand, challenges us to examine our own faith. Are we like the Pharisees, seeking signs instead of trusting in God's presence and providence? Let us ask ourselves: Do we allow jealousy or doubt to cloud our relationship with God? Today, let us turn to God with humble hearts, acknowledging our shortcomings and seeking his mercy. May we learn to trust in his love and live in harmony with one another, avoiding the destructive paths of Cain and the Pharisees.