Kin and Signs

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.

Attending to Signs

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 

Marks and Signs

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to be alert to the prompting of the Spirit concerning signs of life and rejection of life on our journey.

Faith, Hope, and Charity

In the reading from the Book of Genesis, Cain murders Abel.

* [4:11] Banned from the ground: lit., “cursed.” The verse refers back to 3:17 where the ground was cursed so that it yields its produce only with great effort. Cain has polluted the soil with his brother’s blood and it will no longer yield any of its produce to him.

* [4:15] A mark: probably a tattoo to mark Cain as protected by God. The use of tattooing for tribal marks has always been common among the Bedouin of the Near Eastern deserts. (Genesis, CHAPTER 4, 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, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus addresses 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, n.d.)

Larry Gillick S.J. comments that we too look, rather by nature, look for signs which will give us a sense of control and power, knowing! Business-relationships can be intense, and can degenerate into being personal, in the sense of attack and diminishment. Love-relationships are up-grading, affirming and personal beyond power and control. So here it is, Jesus offers a love-relationship and the Pharisees want a business where they can convince rather than invite, where they distribute rather than receive. They want to deal with signs with which to dance rather than being met face to face with a Person offering them their persons.

Yes, we want facts, evidence, sureness and that is so much a part of our humanity. This feature then is a large part of the nature of faith, the nature of a personal relationship which Jesus offers the Pharisee within each of us. It is the Holy Tension for each of us to experience and actually enjoy. Believing means we do not know what’s new all the time. What’s new are the opportunities to admit our humanity and allow that to be met quite personally by Jesus, The Real Deal. (Gillick, n.d.)

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, 2022)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Genesis 4:1-15, 25 comments that we can hurt each other deeply, even when it’s unintentional. Even little annoyances and irritations can lead to angry words and hardened hearts. That’s why we need to invite Jesus into our relationships by asking him to bless them and help us to see them as he does. 

Even if you have experienced a major hurt, you can still invite Jesus to heal you. It may take time, so be patient. In the meantime, put your faith in him. With his grace, you can have nurturing, life-giving relationships that give glory to his name!

“Jesus, I thank you for all the relationships in my life.” (Meditation on Genesis 4:1-15, 25, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler asks why the sacrifice of Cain is treated differently from the sacrifice of Abel. When we are treated differently do we accept what God brings to our lives as we recall the mark of protection given Cain by God. Friar Jude reminds that faith is a question of trust even when faith does not seem possible?

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces scholar and retreat leader Megan McKenna who deepens our understanding of God’s desire for us through the prophet Micah. For McKenna, Micah’s simple and challenging verse reveals the essence of what the prophets are about.

“You have been told, O mortal, what is good and what YHWH requires of you: to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” —Micah 6:8

“Do justice” means to be faithful as God is faithful, holy as God is holy, to set those in bondage free, to hear compassionately the cries of those in slavery, to do for one’s neighbor what God has so graciously done for you. It is the teaching of the Torah, the source of abundant life. These two words—Do justice—point to the way of God and simply say: walk in it! Whatever the concept of justice might be, it is only by doing acts of justice, by solidly standing with those in need of justice, and by resisting injustice that justice can become a reality.  

The second demand is “Love mercy” (or “Love tenderly”). The Hebrew word hesed, compassion, means coming to the rescue of the poor, the outcast, the alien, the slave, the powerless, hearing the cries of those in misery, giving love that is faithful, sustaining, enduring. It is the way God loves [God’s] people, and God’s people are to return that love by loving one another. This urgent command shoots right to the heart of every individual and to the community. [1] (Rohr, 2023)

When our path seems to deviate from walking humbly with God as agents of justice and compassion it may be a sign of our need for reconciliation.

References

Genesis, CHAPTER 4. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved February 13, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/genesis/4?1 

Gillick, L. (n.d.). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved February 13, 2023, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/021323.html 

Mark, CHAPTER 8. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved February 13, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/8?11 

Meditation on Genesis 4:1-15, 25. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved February 13, 2023, from https://wau.org/meditations/2023/02/13/609652/ 

Psalms, PSALM 50. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved February 13, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/50?1 

Rohr, R. (2023, February 13). Mercy, Justice, and Walking Humbly — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved February 13, 2023, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/mercy-justice-and-walking-humbly-2023-02-13/ 

Schwager, D. (2022, August 10). No Sign Shall Be Given to This Generation. Daily Scripture net. Retrieved February 13, 2023, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2023&date=feb13 

Anger Indifference and Discipline

 

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to consider the attitudes and misconceptions that distort our understanding of being our brother’s keeper.

Our brother's keeper

 

The reading from the Book of Genesis presents the events leading to Cain murdering 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).1

Psalm 50 declares the acceptable sacrifice is connected to our discipline.

 

* [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).2

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus rejects the demand of Pharisees 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, 22.3 

Chas Kestermeier, S.J. suggests that we do not want to be free of our family ties and values in order to follow Christ more freely and closely.  Only as we learn to see our lives with Christ’s eyes can we begin to understand that in order to become the people that God calls us to be, the people that we really wish to be in our deepest hearts, we have to be willing to leave home on every level, to constantly be “off to the other towns” as Jesus wants to go – and to learn his love, his healing touch, his passion for us.

 We cannot see that, in following where the Spirit leads us, will give us a whole new and mature family wherever we are, people who share our goals and enthusiasm for God.  And maybe we might even get to the point where we love everyone we meet with a love that is truly godly, a love which sees every person as a mother or a father, a brother or a sister, a little one who depends on us to show them what real love is.4

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)5

The Word Among Us Meditation on Genesis 4:1-15, 25 asks if we know someone who may be acting in a hurtful manner, either toward us, someone else, or even themselves? As he did with Cain, God wants that person to know that he is a loving and forgiving God. He wants everyone to know that he will even leave behind the ninety-nine to go after that one lost sheep (Matthew 18:12-14).

 

But God calls you to be his ambassador in this mission of compassion and mercy. You can reach out to someone who seems confused, hurt, or lost. Begin by engaging them in conversation. Ask them how they are doing and be genuinely interested in their response. Offer to help. If the person is open, you can ask to pray with them, and you can also promise to pray for them. Even these small things may be a step out of your comfort zone, especially if the person is acting in a way that is hurtful, but God will bless your efforts. God has offered each of us, in our weakness, sin, and hurt, the same compassion that he offered Cain. It’s the same compassion that he offers to everyone. Let’s follow his example and be a witness of his love. “Jesus, teach me how to treat people with the love and compassion you have for them.”6

Friar Jude Winkler explores the etiology of the passage from Genesis as it is connected to mystery in ancient conflict, jealousy, selfishness, and the “croucher”. We are our “brother’s keeper. Friar Jude reminds us that the sign desired by the Pharisees was for absolute proof and faith requires trust.

 

Barbara Holmes shares the internal shift that led her to write her book Race and the Cosmos.

 

The physics and cosmology revolution that is 100 years old has not been translated into the ordinary world of any of us, and specifically not in communities of color. The world that scientists describe now is so different than the world that I grew up in or even imagined. According to physicists, this is what the world is like: it is a universe permeated with movement and energy that vibrates and pulses with access to many dimensions. . . . We are all interconnected, not just spiritually or imaginally, but actually . . . and the explicate [or manifested] order that’s all around us makes us think that we’re separate. Finally, I learned that ideas of dominance are predicated on a Newtonian clockwork universe. So, like dominoes, you push one and they all fall down, and everything is in order. But quantum physics tells us that the world is completely different. Particles burst into existence in unpredictable ways, observations affect the observed, and dreams of order and rationality are not the building blocks of the universe.7

The actions we take toward our brothers and sisters are rooted in our attitudes about our place in a universe of mystery where connectedness and cooperation are in harmony with faith in goodness and beauty as proclaimed by the Word of God.

 

References

1	(n.d.). Genesis, CHAPTER 4 | USCCB. Retrieved February 15, 2021, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/genesis/4
2	(n.d.). Psalms, PSALM 50 | USCCB. Retrieved February 15, 2021, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/50
3	(n.d.). Mark, CHAPTER 8 | USCCB. Retrieved February 15, 2021, from https://bible.usccb.org/es/node/4331?30=
4	(n.d.). Creighton U Daily Reflections - Online .... Retrieved February 15, 2021, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/021521.html
5	(n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved February 15, 2021, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2021&date=feb15
6	(n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved February 15, 2021, from https://wau.org/meditations/2021/02/15/180769/
7	(2021, February 15). New Language for a New Story — Center for Action and .... Retrieved February 15, 2021, from https://cac.org/new-language-for-a-new-story-2021-02-15/