Monday
"The Lord said to Cain, 'Where is your brother Abel?' He said, 'I do not know; am I my brother's keeper?'" (v. 9)
Background
Murder, jealousy, family conflict - here we have all of theingredients for a good soap opera. Indeed soap operas captivate usbecause there is little need to stretch the imagination to seeourselves in them. Cain killed Abel - we cannot know if there was areal Cain and a real Abel - but for sure one brother has at somepoint murdered another brother. We may not be sure of the names butthere is certainly truth in the events! These could belong inalmost any family given the right circumstances.
There is much going on in a simple story:
- Giving to God - do we give the leftovers or the real deal?
- How do we cope when we are told we are not as important as wethink we should be?
- What is our response to a sibling who is liked more than weare?
Then we generalise the story. It is easy to say we shouldcare for those who are like us - literally caring for my 'brother'.But does this mean we are given a burden of care for the whole ofhumanity?
This simple story challenges us on many levels. We areexpected to give the best to God - the most costly. We have aburden of care for those around us. We are expected to takeresponsibility for ourselves, not blame others for ourshortcomings.
To Ponder
What do I need to give to God to make it 'thebest'?
How can I best express my solidarity with all ofGod's creation?
Are there any people for whom I have no burden ofcare?