Daily Readings - Mon Feb 13 2023
Genesis
1And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD.2And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.3And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD.4And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering:5But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.6And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen?7If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.8And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.9And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother's keeper?10And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground.11And now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother's blood from thy hand;12When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth.13And Cain said unto the LORD, My punishment is greater than I can bear.14Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the earth; and from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; and it shall come to pass, that every one that findeth me shall slay me.15And the LORD said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the LORD set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him.25And Adam knew his wife again; and she bare a son, and called his name Seth: For God, said she, hath appointed me another seed instead of Abel, whom Cain slew.
Mark
11And the Pharisees came forth, and began to question with him, seeking of him a sign from heaven, tempting him.12And he sighed deeply in his spirit, and saith, Why doth this generation seek after a sign? verily I say unto you, There shall no sign be given unto this generation.13And he left them, and entering into the ship again departed to the other side.
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.