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| “Cain Killing Abel” by Daniele Crespi, 1818-1820 |
Commentary:
Reading 1: Genesis 4:1-15, 25
Commentary on Gn 4:1-15, 25
The story of Cain and Abel first establishes that the ability to join in God’s creative plan through procreation is his gift to us, as Eve exclaims: "I have produced a man with the help of the LORD." “Consequently the Church reminds married couples of their duty 'to transmit human life and to educate their children; they should realize that they are thereby cooperating with the love of God the Creator and are, in a certain sense, its interpreters.'"[4]
The story also gives us the rationale for some of the peoples being nomadic. It establishes the rights of these peoples to subsist on the land. At a deeper level, however, we see that when Cain first became envious, the Lord warned him about sin. God explains that sin is always ready to take the unwary, a “demon lurking at the door.”
CCC: Gen 4:1-2 2335; Gen 4:3-15 401; Gen 4:3-7 2538; Gen 4:4 2569; Gen 4:8-12 2259; Gen 4:10-11 2259; Gen 4:10 1736, 1867, 2268; Gen 4:25-26 2335
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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 50:1 and 8, 16bc-17, 20-21
R. (14a) Offer to God a sacrifice of praise.
Commentary on Ps 50:1 and 8, 16bc-17, 20-21
Psalm 50 is didactic in explaining that God does not want sacrifice for the sake of sacrifice or praise, which is just lip service. Rather he wants genuine obedience and sincere praise. He rebukes the hypocritical worshiper.
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Gospel: Mark 8:11-13
Commentary on Mk 8:11-13
Ironically, this passage follows the story of the “Multiplication of the Loaves.” It is clear from the language here that the Pharisees who confront him have gotten word of this event and are hoping for something to prove that Jesus’ announcement of the Kingdom of God is valid. “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 John 6:30-31. Jesus' response shows that a sign originating in human demand will not be provided; cf. Numbers 14:11, 22.”[5]
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Reflection:
We find in scripture the real impact of mankind’s fall from grace, the punishment given to Adam and Eve as a consequence of their disobedience to God. In Genesis, the fallen nature of their offspring Cain and Abel is manifested in the jealousy: “sin is a demon lurking at the door.”
It is likely that it was same “resentful” attitude that caused the Pharisees to be blinded to the nature of Christ. Demanding signs they could not see, they were to become the new Cain as they would ultimately persecute and kill Jesus.
It is for this reason Jesus came. He came so mankind, all mankind, could be restored to grace, and once more enjoy God’s loving presence. When Jesus offered himself, the first fruits of salvation, as the perfect sacrifice, he reopened the gates of heaven. These gates had been closed and barred since Adam’s first bite at the apple ended innocence and introduced sin into the world.
In baptism we were adopted by God. We were washed clean of original sin, Adam’s in, and sanctified, made holy so that we might have the grace of Christ as part of our inheritance. While sin remains in the world, and we need to be aware of it, it no longer finds easy roots in our hearts. The Holy Spirit has strengthened that place in our being, and we can reject it if we draw on that strength. It is the same grace, given to us in baptism, which allows us to see the signs Christ gave to this generation. We only need to open the eyes of faith and we see that Christ’s miracles abound.
Pax
[1] The picture used is “Cain Killing Abel” by Daniele Crespi, 1818-1820.
[4] Vatican II, "Gaudium et spes," 50.
[5] See NAB footnote on Mark 8:11-12.
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