Are you Cain or Abel?

 

6th   Week Monday of Ordinary Time

Year One

Gen 4:1-15, 25

Are you Cain or Abel?

The offering of Abel was accepted by God and not that of Cain. God asked Cain Why are you angry? If you do well, will your offering not be accepted? God gave him hope. But he decided to do away with his brother Abel.  God asked, “Where is your brother Abel?” He said I do not know; “am I my brother’s keeper?” “Where is your brother Abel?” And the Lord said, “What have you done?” The questions of God are interesting, and God does ask us the same questions today for the times we are malicious and wish to outdo our innocent brothers.

Are you Cain or Abel?

Year Two

James 1:1-11

Trials and Temptations

Life offers humans many experiences. It offers many good experiences, which we seldom take note of, and instead, humans forget completely about the positive experiences of life. Human beings remember the bad and negative experiences in life. They think of them and pound over them, for they cause pain, discomfort, and bad memories. This reality can have two effects on humans: it could be a learning experience or lead one to a more negative way of life.

Over thinking about the negative experience of life can stagnate the person's growth. It is right to take things at face value. Trust in the goodness and care of God. God is in control over everything. In a good time, everything will turn out to be beautiful. It is also the case in the case of trials and temptations; one has to be patient and overcome times of weakness and turbulence. Once one overcomes the trials and temptations, one will be strong and able to face life and all that comes in the way of life. It is a journey and not a one-time achievement of life.

Are you kind to yourself?

Gospel: Mk 8:11-13

The Pharisees came and began to argue with him, asking him for a sign from heaven, to test him.  And he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, ‘Why does this generation ask for a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to this generation.’ And he left them, and getting into the boat again, he went across to the other side (Mk 8:11-13).

Our attitude of looking for signs is like a bottomless pit. Any number of signs of God will not sustain us in our trust in God. We forget the signs God gives us and keep on looking for signs from heaven.

 In today’s gospel, people ask for a sign, but the Lord tells them no sign will be given to them. Let us learn to trust in God, who made us and who will take care of us.

How often do I look for a sign from heaven to believe in God?

Fr Putti Anthaiah Sdb

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