Daily Readings - Mon Feb 18 2019
Genesis
1Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, saying, "I have gotten a man with the help of the LORD."2And again, she bore his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, and Cain a worker of the ground.3In the course of time Cain brought to the LORD an offering of the fruit of the ground,4and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the LORD had regard for Abel and his offering,5but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell.6The LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen?7If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it."8Cain spoke to Abel his brother. And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him.9Then the LORD said to Cain, "Where is Abel your brother?" He said, "I do not know; am I my brother's keeper?"10And the LORD said, "What have you done? The voice of your brother's blood is crying to me from the ground.11And now you are cursed from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother's blood from your hand.12When you work the ground, it shall no longer yield to you its strength. You shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth."13Cain said to the LORD, "My punishment is greater than I can bear.14Behold, you have driven me today away from the ground, and from your face I shall be hidden. I shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me."15Then the LORD said to him, "Not so! If anyone kills Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold." And the LORD put a mark on Cain, lest any who found him should attack him.25And Adam knew his wife again, and she bore a son and called his name Seth, for she said, "God has appointed for me another offspring instead of Abel, for Cain killed him."
Mark
11The Pharisees came and began to argue with him, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him.12And he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, "Why does this generation seek a sign? Truly, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation."13And he left them, got into the boat again, and went to the other side.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound narratives that invite us to reflect on our relationship with God and our responses to His presence in our lives. The story of Cain and Abel from Genesis and the encounter between Jesus and the Pharisees in Mark offer timeless lessons on faith, jealousy, and trust.
The story of Cain and Abel reminds us of the dangers of jealousy and the consequences of sin. Cain's jealousy towards Abel's favored offering leads him to commit a grave act, resulting in his exile. This narrative underscores the importance of right actions and a humble heart before God. It warns us against letting envy guide our actions, as it can lead us down a path of destruction.
In the Gospel, the Pharisees demand a sign from Jesus, testing His divine authority. Jesus' response highlights the Pharisees' lack of faith and their need for constant validation. This teaches us about the importance of trusting in God without always seeking tangible signs. It emphasizes that true faith is about believing without always seeing.
Together, these readings encourage us to cultivate faith and trust in God. They remind us to avoid the pitfalls of jealousy and instead focus on right actions and a humble heart. As we navigate our daily lives, let us strive to trust in God's plan, even when we don't see immediate signs, and to avoid letting envy consume us. May we draw strength from these lessons, living with faith and integrity, reflecting God's love in all we do.