Homily: February 17, 2025 Monday of the sixth week in Ordinary time (genration of sin)

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"Where is your brother Abel?"

We are now in the fourth chapter of Genesis. Before this, we read about the first sin of mankind – disobedience - when Adam and Eve did what they were told not to do. They lived in a perfect world and had dominance over everything, but they were discontented and were tempted by greed.

Sin did not stop there; it was passed on to the next generation. In this chapter, we see Cain committing a grave sin - he killed his brother Abel. He was discontented with God’s favor on Abel and was tempted by pride.

As we continue through Genesis, we see sin perpetuating and spreading through humanity.

The Lord had warned Cain that “sin is a demon lurking at the door: his urge is toward you, yet you can be his master.”

Eve, Adam, Cain and every one of us are tempted by sin, yet we can be its master. The moment we let it enter our heart, and leave it unchecked, it will deepen its hold on us and enslave us. Jesus says, “Everyone who sins is a slave of sin.” (John 8:34).

Yet, after the sin, Adam hid himself. God called out to him, “Where are you?”

After the sin, Cain hid Abel. God called out to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?”

God sees. God knows. But God wants us to answer to our own deeds, we cannot hide our sins.

Cain questioned, “Am I my brother’s keeper?”

No. But God is our keeper, every one of us. God created us, and He is responsible for our safety, He continually reaches out to us, He wants us to keep connected with Him. Failing which, we will die.

“So the Lord put a mark on Cain,” to protect him from being killed. Cain is banished but not disowned. Despite having sinned, God does not break His ties with us. He waits for the day when we are ready to reconcile with Him and return to Him.

Perhaps today, we too can hear His gentle voice calling out to us:

“Where is your brother?”

“Where is your sister?”

“Where are you?”

We are not each other’s keeper, but we can lead each other back to God. He is our keeper. Let us reconcile and return to Him.

Amen.


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