Word to the Wise
Monday, February 14, 2011 - Feb. 14 - Sts. Cyril and Methodius
[Genesis 4:1-15, 25 and Mark 8:11-13]Cain said to his brother Abel, "Let us go out in the field." When they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him. Then the Lord asked Cain, "Where is your brother Abel?" He answered, "I do not know. Am I my brother's keeper?"
It doesn't take long for the effects of the banishment from Eden to show. The story of Cain and Abel is meant to demonstrate how deeply violence can run in humans. It matters not to Cain that God has warned him of the possibility that he (Cain) may be overcome by jealousy and violence. God also points out that Cain can control this and will receive his share of approval and praise. Anyone who is parent of more than one child knows that such warnings are often futile. Genesis does not spare us the extreme result: fratricide!
It seems a pity that this particular passage of scripture appears on what we in America refer to as "Valentine's Day." (Poor Cyril and Methodius!) Supposedly we celebrate LOVE on this day! Instead we are warned of the terrible things that we can do to even those who are most intimately related to us! Perhaps the fact that Cyril and Methodius were brothers can serve as a counter balance! If Cyril was jealous of Methodius because the latter was made a bishop, we know nothing of it!
One of the great dangers of our human situation is the belief that violence is inevitable. Some will point to the story of Cain and Abel as evidence of that inevitability. I point to God's statement to Cain: "[S]in is a demon lurking at the door: his urge is toward you, yet you can be his master." Violence is "inevitable" only if we let it be "inevitable." It is belief in this possibility, that we can master it, that keeps "peacemakers" going! AMEN
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