Daily Readings - Mon Feb 15 2021
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 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.