The story of Cain and Abel still plays in many families around the world today. Some have shed the blood of their sibling(s) because of greed, envy, jealousy, and what have you. You shall not kill, is one of the ten commandments (Ex 20:13; Cf. Deut 5:17.)
Jesus says: “You have heard that it was said to the men of old, “You shall not kill: and whoever kills shall be liable to judgment.” But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be liable to judgment. (Mt 5:21-22).
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: “Human life is sacred because from its beginning it involves the creative action of God and it remains forever in a special relationship with the Creator, who is its sole end. God alone is the Lord of life from its beginning until its end: no one can under any circumstance claim for himself the right directly to destroy an innocent human being.” (CCC 2258)
The account of Abel’s murder by his brother Cain, reveals the presence of anger and envy in man, consequences of original sin, from the beginning of human history. Man has become the enemy of his fellow man. God declares the wickedness of this fratricide: “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood is crying to me from the ground. And now you are cursed from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand.”
Today we hear the following questions addressed to Cain “Where is your brother Abel”? Why are you so resentful and crestfallen?
These are great questions we need to ask of ourselves far more often.
If Cain would have just retraced his steps he would see that not only was his anger completely unjustified, it was altogether misplaced.
As we read the scriptural passage further, we will see that God is extremely merciful and patient. He gives Cain a second chance to get it right.
God is both optimistic (Cain can change) and realistic (but Cain has the final choice).
Ignore God’s will in one area and we are opening up a Pandora ’s Box of trouble.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus recalls the commandment, “You shall not kill,” and adds to it the proscription of anger, hatred, and vengeance. Going further, Christ asks his disciples to turn the other cheek, to love their enemies. He did not defend himself and told Peter to leave his sword in its sheath. (CCC 2262)
Have a wonderful week
