Daily Readings - Mon Feb 15 2021
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 explore themes of faith, trust, and the consequences of their absence. The first reading from Genesis recounts the tragic story of Cain and Abel, where Cain's jealousy leads to Abel's murder. This narrative, set in the early chapters of Genesis, highlights the devastating consequences of sin and the origins of human violence. Cain's actions stem from his own lack of faith and misunderstanding of God's expectations, resulting in his exile and a life of wandering.
The Gospel reading from Mark presents a different yet related scenario. The Pharisees, seeking a sign from heaven, approach Jesus with skepticism. Jesus' refusal to provide a sign underscores the importance of faith without requiring proof. This encounter reflects the ongoing tension between belief and doubt, as Jesus challenges the Pharisees to trust in God's plan without visible confirmation.
Both readings converge on the theme of faith and trust in God. Cain's story warns against the dangers of jealousy and unbelief, while Jesus' encounter with the Pharisees emphasizes the necessity of trusting God without needing signs. The birth of Seth in Genesis offers a message of hope, illustrating God's continued plan despite humanity's failings.
In our daily lives, these readings encourage us to trust in God's providence without demanding signs or miracles. They remind us to avoid the pitfalls of jealousy and to embrace faith as a foundation for our actions. The moral lesson is clear: faith and trust in God are essential, and their absence can lead to negative consequences. Let us strive to cultivate a deep trust in God, finding hope in His plan even amidst challenges.