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 

Heroic and Crazy

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to explore the painful and pitiful events of our lives for signs of Divine Presence in our journey.

Presence on the Journey

In the reading from the Second Book of Samuel, David mourns for Saul and Jonathan.

Psalm 80 praises Divine Majesty and Human Dignity.

* [Psalm 80] A community lament in time of military defeat. Using the familiar image of Israel as a vineyard, the people complain that God has broken down the wall protecting the once splendid vine brought from Egypt (Ps 80:9–14). They pray that God will again turn to them and use the Davidic king to lead them to victory (Ps 80:15–19). (Psalms, PSALM 80 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus is regarded as out of his mind.

* [3:20–35] Within the narrative of the coming of Jesus’ relatives (Mk 3:20–21) is inserted the account of the unbelieving scribes from Jerusalem who attributed Jesus’ power over demons to Beelzebul (Mk 3:22–30); see note on Mk 5:21–43. There were those even among the relatives of Jesus who disbelieved and regarded Jesus as out of his mind (Mk 3:21). Against this background, Jesus is informed of the arrival of his mother and brothers [and sisters] (Mk 3:32). He responds by showing that not family ties but doing God’s will (Mk 3:35) is decisive in the kingdom; cf. note on Mt 12:46–50. (Mark, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB, n.d.)

Eileen Wirth asks how crazy do serious followers of Jesus have to be?

Hopefully we are willing to be at least a little crazy for Christ even if that just means stepping outside our convenience zones on behalf of others.

Within my parish, there’s a woman who accompanied a death row inmate on his road to execution. That’s beyond most of us but another friend spends hours overseeing health care for our refugee family and many others who help at homeless shelters or just reach out to relatives and friends in need.   We can all incorporate at least one regular significant work of charity or justice into our lives.

We may even feel the radical Jesus hovering near us as we take a friend with dementia to coffee to give their caretaker a break. We can strive to be radically kind -- the craziness that Christ asks of all of us. (Wirth, 2024)

Don Schwager quotes “Jesus' worried kinfolk,” by Jerome (347-420 AD).

"In the Gospel we read that even his kinsfolk desired to bind him as one of weak mind (Mark 3:21). His opponents also reviled him saying, 'You are a Samaritan and have a devil' (John 8:48)." (excerpt from LETTER 108, TO EUSTOCHIUM) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Mark 3:20-21 comments that some people might not understand us, but many will see our example and wonder what makes us tick. They may even ask us why we are different, because the witness of our lives has awakened a hunger for the Lord inside them. Francis, Maximilian, and many other saints show us this is true. Their way of life is still drawing people to faith today.

So keep on following the Lord and living a life of love and mercy, just as he did. Don’t be deterred if some people think you’re “out of your mind.” Because as you do your best to follow Jesus, you’ll be drawing other people to follow him as well.

“Lord, may I love you with fearless abandon, no matter what anyone else may think!” (Meditation on Mark 3:20-21, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler explores the reaction of David to news of the death of his “blood brother” Jonathan and Saul who tried to kill David. The Greek in Mark’s Gospel may be translated as “family” or “those who were to Jesus.” Friar Jude reminds us of instances in Mark’s Gospel where His followers are confused about His Mission that leads to the Cross.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, comments that in Cole Arthur Riley’s book Black Liturgies, she prays for our capacity to hold together the extraordinary and the ordinary.

God of every beautiful thing,

Make us people of wonder. Show us how to hold on to nuance and vision when our souls become addicted to pain, to the unlovely. It is far easier to see the gloom and decay; so often it sings a louder song. Attune our hearts to the good still stirring in our midst, not that we would give ourselves to toxic positivity or neglect the pain of the world, but that we would be people capable of existing in the tension. Grant us habits of sacred pause. Let us marvel not just at the grand or majestic, but beauty’s name etched into every ordinary moment. Let the mundane swell with a mystery that makes us breathe deeper still. And by this, may we be sustained and kept from despair. Amen. (Rohr, 2024)

We contemplate our journey and seek understanding of how the aspects of life that are mysterious and confusing are often the Way to a closer relationship with God.

References

Mark, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 20, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/3? 

Meditation on Mark 3:20-21. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved January 20, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/01/20/878488/ 

Psalms, PSALM 80 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 20, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/80?2 

Rohr, R. (2024, January 20). Holding the Tension: Weekly Summary — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved January 20, 2024, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/holding-the-tension-weekly-summary/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). People Were Saying of Jesus, 'He Is beside Himself'. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved January 20, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=jan20 

2 Samuel, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 20, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/2samuel/1?1 

Wirth, E. (2024, January 20). Daily Reflection Of Creighton University's Online Ministries. Online Ministries. Retrieved January 20, 2024, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/012024.html