Daily Readings - Mon Feb 13 2023
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
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.