Genesis 4: Cain and Abel.

EXPLORING GENESIS SERIES

THE BIBLE= EXPLORING GENESIS SERIES ICON.

Genesis 4: Cain and Abel.

Another aspect of sin appears in Genesis 4.  After the revolt of humanity against God, we see the struggle of man with man and the discord among humanity. This is compared to Christ’s obedience to His Father in I John 3. The sacrifice of Abel was agreeable to God because it was a perfect exteriorisation of his sincere dispositions of gratitude and adoration.  We also recognise in this a prefiguration of the sacrifice of Christ, renewed unceasingly in the Eucharist.  In Eucharistic Prayer No 1 (Roman Canon of the Mass), it says: ‘And as you were pleased to accept the gifts of your just servant Abel… look on this offering with love’.

WHAT CAN WE LEARN?

What can we learn from Cain though? Verse 2 is quite specific about both Cain and Abel’s role and mission in life. God has given us our own role so comparing ourselves with others or wishing it is something else can indicate that we know better than God. 

Also, both of them brought to God the ‘produce’ from their ‘employment’.  When God did not look favourably on his offering, note Cain’s reaction- anger and was downcast. God’s advice in Vs 7 ‘If you are doing right, surely you ought to hold your head high! But if you are not doing right, Sin is crouching at the door hungry to get you. You can still master him.' 

Despite killing his brother, God still allowed Cain to dialogue with Him and to realize the consequences for his wrongdoing.  Cain pleaded with God and God, in his mercy, prevented Cain from being harmed, but Cain still had to face the consequence of his actions.

These verses are vital for us too. We are all prone to sin or make mistakes. Can we come to God and face ourselves and name our ‘sin’? Can we also receive in good grace His unbounded mercy in the sacrament of Reconciliation and not walk away from the mission God gives to us?

Chapter 4 tells us to love our brother. What other reflection thoughts do you have on this chapter? Abel’s offering was acceptable to God due to his dispositions of gratitude and adoration.  

When we offer God our life each day in the morning offering, how do you think God would rate our inner disposition? Why not dialogue with God and listen to His response?