Sunday, February 12, 2023

Greed and Jealousy

Meditation for Monday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time
(Gen 4:1-15,25; Mk8:11-13)

Let us meditate on the story of Cain and Abel. Greed and jealousy are like Siamese twins; you cannot have one without the other. Cain was a farmer, while Abel was a shepherd. Abel was generous to the Lord, and offered “The firstlings of his flock and their fat portions.” On the other hand, Cain kept for himself the best of his produce. His greed caught up with him when he realized that the Lord found favor with Abel’s generosity, ‘but for Cain and his offering, He had no regard.’ “So, Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell.” His greed has matured into jealousy!  His jealousy over Abel razed like unquenchable fire.

 


Greed germinates from the hidden desire to have the better things of life over and above others. It is such a disposition that perceives possession as competition, and it is always striving to be ahead. The greed of Cain became obvious as he locked up his heart in the best of his farm produce, while his younger brother, Abel, offered up his heart to God through the generous offering of the best of his flock. As greed cannot be satisfied, it excuses itself and expresses its frustration in jealousy. Greed and jealousy are self-contradictory. Cain was angry at his brother for being favored. But it was not Abel that denied him favor. His own greedy choice was his undoing. Jealousy is always bloodthirsty and vengeful against the innocent.

 

“And when they were in the field, Cain rose against his brother Abel, and killed him.” This is always the case when we listen to an angry voice of jealousy against those who possess the good things we aspire to. Unfortunately, the effort to pull them down, to kill their vision or success brings more destruction to the jealous man. As Jesus entered the boat and quietly left the Pharisees behind, so does grace and favor evaporate from hearts soaked in greed and jealousy. Unlike the Pharisees, who came to argue with Jesus, we listen to Him and welcome Him in our hearts. The joyful presence of the Lord sets us free from the bondage of greed and jealousy. With Jesus we learn detachment and generosity, which helps us to appreciate the little gifts of life. Then, our prayers and offerings will be pleasing to the Lord like the sacrifice of Abel. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Monday, February 13th, 2023.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

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