The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to examine the tension we sometimes experience with those closest to us and implore the Spirit to reveal the greater power of our love for family and friends.
In the reading from the Book of Genesis, Cain Murders Abel.
* [4:2] Some suggest the story reflects traditional strife between the farmer (Cain) and the nomad (Abel), with preference for the latter reflecting the alleged nomadic ideal of the Bible. But there is no disparagement of farming here, for Adam was created to till the soil. The story is about two brothers (the word “brother” occurs seven times) and God’s unexplained preference for one, which provokes the first murder. The motif of the preferred younger brother will occur time and again in the Bible, e.g., Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, and David (1 Sm 16:1–13). (Genesis, CHAPTER 4 | USCCB, n.d.)
Psalm 50 praises the Acceptable Sacrifice.
* [Psalm 50] A covenant lawsuit stating that the sacrifice God really wants is the sacrifice of praise accompanied by genuine obedience (cf. Mi 6:1–8). It begins with a theophany and the summoning of the court (Ps 50:1–6). Then in direct address God explains what is required of the faithful (Ps 50:7–15), rebukes the hypocritical worshiper (Ps 50:16–21), and concludes with a threat and a promise (Ps 50:22–23; cf. Is 1:19–20). (Psalms, PSALM 50 | USCCB, n.d.)
In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus deals with the Demand for a Sign.
* [8:11–12] The objection of the Pharisees that Jesus’ miracles are unsatisfactory for proving the arrival of God’s kingdom is comparable to the request of the crowd for a sign in Jn 6:30–31. Jesus’ response shows that a sign originating in human demand will not be provided; cf. Nm 14:11, 22. (Mark, CHAPTER 8 | USCCB, n.d.)
Angela Maynard honestly believes we were put on this earth to care for each other. Jesus showed us how to do this throughout his life. There are examples of how he did this as well as some of the tough consequences that can occur when we act, care for our fellow humans, and do what can be difficult and unpopular. It is easy to keep your head down and ignore injustice.
I challenge you to be your brother’s keeper…every day! As I reflected on the gospel, I felt ashamed because I really identified with the Pharisees. I am always on the lookout for signs from above. When I am praying for guidance, I pray for a sign that I am making the right decision. Ironically, I usually receive a sign. I am confident that I have been the cause of many frustrating, fatiguing days for Jesus and the saints to whom I often ask to intercede for me. I ‘d like to think that the difference is that the Pharisees were testing, and I am trusting. (Maynard, 2025)
Don Schwager quotes “Why does this generation seek a sign,” by John Chrysostom (347-407 AD).
"But for what sign from heaven were they asking? Maybe that he should hold back the sun, or curb the moon, or bring down thunderbolts, or change the direction of the wind, or something like that?... In Pharaoh's time there was an enemy from whom deliverance was needed (Exodus 3-15). But for one who comes among friends, there should be no need of such signs." (excerpt from GOSPEL OF ST. MATTHEW, HOMILY 53.3) (Schwager, n.d.)
The Word Among Us Meditation on Genesis 4:1-15, 25 comments that when something good happens to someone else, do we resent it? And where might that resentment lead? Maybe not to the violence that Cain resorted to, but it can lead to an ever-increasing separation and isolation from the people around us.
So what’s the answer? Listen to what the Lord told Cain. There will always be opportunities for resentment to arise—it’s always “lurking at the door” (Genesis 4:7). But you don’t have to give in to it. God’s vision for you is an entirely different life. It’s a life of freedom and joy, where you can turn your heart toward other people, whether they are a successful coworker or a sibling or a fellow parishioner. Ask for God’s grace to master your tendencies toward resentment or bitterness. That’s a prayer that the Lord is always happy to answer!
“Lord, protect me from all resentment and bitterness. I want to be free.” (Meditation on Genesis 4:1-15, 25, 2025)
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Friar Jude Winkler comments on the violence and sin associated with the first born farmer that resonates with a favourite theme in the Pentateuch. The etiology of Cain and Abel expresses a demand to address the cry from the soil “Am I my brother’s keeper?” Friar Jude reminds us of the teaching in Jesus' response to the Pharisees that our taking a risk is necessary for faith to flourish.
Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, continues to explain the cosmic egg, focusing on the next two domes of meaning: other stories and the story. The third dome of meaning is what I call other stories. The term “other stories” illustrates the significant but sometimes painful recognition that our story is not the only frame, not likely the most important frame, and maybe even a frame with a lot of shadow and bias. This is the great advantage of studying history, literature beyond our own language, anthropology, world cultures and religions, and experiencing some world travel, whether by opportunity or necessity. This is also the invitation modeled by Jesus to move beyond my story and our story, and to stand in friendship and solidarity with other stories.
The fourth dome of meaning, which encloses and regulates the three smaller ones, is called the story. By this, I mean the patterns that are always true. This is much larger and more shared than any one religion or denomination. All healthy religions would, on some levels, be telling the story, as the Roman Catholic Second Vatican Council authoritatively taught. [2] For example, forgiveness always heals; it does not matter whether we are Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, or Jewish. Forgiveness is one of the patterns that is always true, although it reveals its wisdom in countless ways. It is part of the story. Also, there is no specifically Christian way to feed the hungry or to steward the earth. Love is love, even if the motivation might be different. (Rohr, n.d.)
We ponder the paradox of conflict with kin and express gratitude for the action of the Spirit that is expressed in the unsolicited signs of truth, love, and compassion on our journey.
References
Genesis, CHAPTER 4 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved February 17, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/genesis/4?1
Mark, CHAPTER 8 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved February 17, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/8?11
Maynard, A. (2025, February 17). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Retrieved February 17, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/021725.html
Meditation on Genesis 4:1-15, 25. (2025, February 17). The Word Among Us. Retrieved February 17, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/02/17/1205344/
Psalms, PSALM 50 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved February 17, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/50?1
Rohr, R. (n.d.). The Cosmic Egg: Other Stories and The Story. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved February 17, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/other-stories-and-the-story/
Schwager, D. (n.d.). No Sign Shall Be Given to This Generation. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved February 17, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2025&date=feb17
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