Daily Readings - Mon Feb 18 2019
Genesis
1Adam lay with his wife Eve, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain. She said, "With the help of the LORD I have brought forth a man."2Later she gave birth to his brother Abel. Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil.3In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the LORD.4But Abel brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering,5but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast.6Then the LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast?7If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it."8Now Cain said to his brother Abel, "Let's go out to the field." And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.9Then the LORD said to Cain, "Where is your brother Abel?I don't know," he replied. "Am I my brother's keeper?"10The LORD said, "What have you done? Listen! Your brother's blood cries out to me from the ground.11Now you are under a curse and driven from the ground, which opened its mouth to receive your brother's blood from your hand.12When you work the ground, it will no longer yield its crops for you. You will be a restless wanderer on the earth."13Cain said to the LORD, "My punishment is more than I can bear.14Today you are driving me from the land, and I will be hidden from your presence; I will be a restless wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me."15But the LORD said to him, "Not so; if anyone kills Cain, he will suffer vengeance seven times over." Then the LORD put a mark on Cain so that no one who found him would kill him.25Adam lay with his wife again, and she gave birth to a son and named him Seth, saying, "God has granted me another child in place of Abel, since Cain killed him."
Mark
11The Pharisees came and began to question Jesus. To test him, they asked him for a sign from heaven.12He sighed deeply and said, "Why does this generation ask for a miraculous sign? I tell you the truth, no sign will be given to it."13Then he left them, got back into the boat and crossed 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.