Readings: Genesis 4:1-15,25, Ps. 50:1,8,16-17,20-21, Mark 8:11-13
“If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; its desire is for you, but you must master it.” (Genesis 4:7)
- Why was Cain angry? He compared himself with Abel. Comparison is good only if it motivates us to strive for perfection. However, comparison becomes deadly when it causes us to hate those we think are better than us. Learn from others; do not try to bring anyone down. This was Cain’s mistake. Instead of asking why his sacrifice was rejected, he set out to destroy Abel.
- If you cannot be genuinely happy with someone for doing something you want to do, you can never find happiness. If you find it difficult to celebrate other’s successes, no one will celebrate yours. What goes around comes around. The fact that you failed where your neighbour succeeded should not make you angry or jealous of them. Failure is a stepping stone to success, a necessary teacher and guide to greatness. Show me any successful person, and I will show you one who has failed countless times.
- Turn your envy on yourself instead of others. Jesus said: “Remove the log in your eye so that you can see clearly to take out the speck in your neighbour’s eye.” Instead of hating someone for doing well, start developing and improving yourself. Find your star. Discover your unique gifts. Harness your potential; sharpen your gifts. Train hard to become a better version of yourself daily.
- Never envy others; you do not know their troubles. You don’t know the price they paid to get to where they are today. When you meet a successful person, ask yourself: “Am I ready to drink the cup?” This was the question Jesus asked James and John when they brought their mother to Jesus, demanding seats at his left and right in heaven. Why do you admire their crown if you are not ready to suffer their cross?
- God advised Cain, “Sin is crouching at your door… but you must master it.” Sin is always crouching at your door, but God will never allow you to be tempted beyond your capacity to resist. St. Peter says: “Be sober, be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith.” (1 Peter 5:8-9).
Be a master of your emotions. Do not be pushed into action by your feelings; think of the consequences. You will always regret any decision made in anger. Instead of listening to God, Cain chose evil. After killing his brother, Cain wished he could turn back the hands of time. When God asked about his brother, Cain tried to dodge the question by asking if he was his brother’s keeper. In the end, Cain could not escape his punishment for murder. There is nothing to be gained from sin.
- Do not repeat Cain’s mistake; master your emotions. Learn to keep quiet, pray and walk away when you are angry. Jesus was angry many times, yet He never sinned. In today’s Gospel, Jesus was unhappy that the people demanded a sign to believe. However, Jesus did nothing. Mark tells us, “And he left them, and getting into the boat again, he departed to the other side.” (Mark 8:13). Never allow your anger to drag you into sin.
- No matter how good you are, you must have enemies. Some people will hate you, not minding how many times you have helped them. A few days ago, we read that great crowds were bringing their sick to Jesus, even begging to touch the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were well. What other sign were these people demanding? What more proof did they want? You don’t have to prove yourself to anyone. If they don’t believe you, leave them for God.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, grant us wisdom in our moments of anger. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Monday of week 6 in Ordinary Time, Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: Genesis 4:1-15,25, Ps. 50:1,8,16-17,20-21, Mark 8:11-13).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu