THE SIGN THAT SAVES

Reflection for Monday of the 6th week in Ordinary Time
(Gen 4:1-15,25; Mk 8:11-13)
After eating the forbidden fruit, man saw nakedness,  i.e. he saw himself. Selfishness creeped into the system. The first reading today tells us how the offspring of the fallen man inherited the effects of their parents disobedience. Now ego and self-preservation rage like wild fire! Cain's inferiority complex and jealousy over his brother Abel's sacrifice could not be contained within the borders of limited human freedom. God warned him, “sin lurking at the door; it’s desire is for you, but you must master it.”

“Where is Abel your brother?” The Lord God asked. Cain replied, “I do not know; am I my brother's keeper?” How can he who is the ‘keeper’ of all creation not be his brother's keeper? When man abuses his free will, he equally becomes irresponsible! His guilt has caught up with him as the blood of Abel cries to God. Cain brought curse upon himself!

However, God is ever merciful. He spared Cain’s life, and “put a mark on Cain, lest any who came upon him should kill him.” This ‘mark' that would protect the life of the sinner is now given in the ‘Sign of the Cross.’ We are saved in no other name than the name of Jesus. So how can the Pharisees be arguing with Jesus, seeking from Him a sign from Heaven? Of course, Jesus replied, “Truly, I say to you, no sign shall be given to this generation.” Jesus is that ultimate mark in which our guilt is resolved,  and our life is saved. Amen!

Fr Jude Chinwe Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Immaculate Conception Parish,
Iba Estate, Lagos.
Monday 18th February, 2019.