6th Week in Ordinary Time
Sin is a demon lurking at the door . . . yet you can be his master. (Genesis 4:7)
This story starts off with great promise. Both Cain and Abel have prepared their offerings to the Lord. They know that God has created and sustained them. They know that everything comes from him and that offering a sacrifice is only right. We also know that God sees Cain’s heart when Cain’s sacrifice falls short and that he knows the temptation Cain is facing.
We also see God make a promise to Cain. He offers him the strength to turn away from anger and jealousy. He is ready to help Cain “master” the sin that is tempting him (Genesis 4:7).
Here again is another sign that God had not abandoned his people after Adam and Eve fell into sin. Here we see God talking directly to Cain, encouraging him and steering him in the right direction. He isn’t asking Cain to rely on his own strength alone; he offers divine strength to help him.
God is offering his same divine strength to you as well. He knows your heart. He knows whom you struggle to love. He knows the angers you harbor. Yet he is speaking to you, just as he spoke to Cain, and promising you the grace to master your own sin. He invites you to bring your temptations before him so that he can help you with his grace. He is asking you to listen to him so that he can help you find the way to love.
Right now, imagine yourself in this scene. Imagine God is calling your name as he called out to Cain. You might hear him asking you a question similar to the one he asked Cain: Why are you resentful? Why are you dwelling on this temptation? As you consider how to answer, be assured that God is patiently waiting for you to ask for his help. He is offering you an exchange: your anger for divine strength. Your jealousy for healing. Your resentment for a changed heart.
God makes these exact same offers when you face every kind of temptation. He is always with you. He knows your heart, and he is always ready to offer you his grace to help you gain mastery over every sin.
“Lord, help me look to you for your divine strength in the face of every temptation.”
Psalm 50:1, 8, 16-17, 20-21
Mark 8:11-13
