In the course of time Cain presented some of the land's produce as an offering to the Lord. And Abel also presented an offering -some of the firstborn of his flock and their fat portions. The Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, but He did not have regard for Cain and his offering. Cain was furious, and he was downcast. Then the Lord said to Cain, "Why are you furious? And why are you downcast? If you do right, won't you be accepted? But if you do not do right, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must master it." Cain said to his brother Abel, "Let's go out to the field." And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.    (Genesis 4:3-8, Holman Christian Bible translation)

We don't like to be told "no", do we? We don't like when we present an idea of ours to another, and they disagree, or are not impressed. We especially don't like when another's idea is chosen ahead of ours. What is the typical reaction when we are rejected? We are petulant, indignant, and offended. What happens when we feel rejected by God?

Cain was "furious, downcast" at his rejection. Not only was his gift judged to be not acceptable, but his brother's gift was acceptable in the sight of the Lord. Why? We don't know. The text seems to give a hint, calling Abel's offering "some of the firstborn, fat portions". Meat would probably have been more scarce and valuable in an agrarian society. But ultimately, it is a mystery why God rejected Cain's gift. There is no indication that he skimped, or was haphazard in his offering. We must therefore conclude that it is finally God's sovereign choice to have favor with whom he chooses and to withhold favor from whom he chooses. This is not "nice". It's not "fair". It goes against our sensibilities. It is arbitrary. Unfortunately, that's how grace is. It is not a possession which we can aspire to, something we can talk God into doing. Despite some indications in scripture that we can bargain with God, like Abraham did, it is only God who can make the decision to bargain with us. We can't make the decision to bargain with him.

Cain reacted against God's decision by killing his brother, taking out his anger at God on Abel, despite the fact that Abel didn't do anything against Cain. Abel was doing his best, independent of Cain, trying to please God. How do we react when we see others seemingly getting all the breaks, "moving up the ladder", achieving success, not having to deal with failures, health problems, or financial woes? It was typical in the time of Jesus, and even today, to see success as blessed, and failure as cursed. There are even some preachers who try to convince us that if we are faithful to God, do the right things, say the right words, then material blessings will follow. The fact is, however, that there is no causal relation between our obedience and worldly success. The life of Jesus points this out to us in no uncertain terms. Jesus was without sin. He had all the right words. He followed the way of the Lord. He healed the sick. He raised the dead. And what was his reward? Death by crucifixion. An ignominious death, hung on a tree between two thieves, mocked and scorned even as he died. Abandoned by his friends, and seemingly by God. "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?"

But no! This was not the end. Even though Jesus was told "no" by the Romans, "no" by the Jewish leaders, and ultimately "no" by the crowds who had followed him, in the resurrection God entered a resounding "Yes!" to Jesus the Messiah. "This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we are all witnesses." (Acts 2:32, KJV) It is God's choice to say yes or no. It should be our choice to try to walk in the Way of the Lord, without seeking a quid pro quo for our behavior. And we certainly should not resent or envy our brothers or sisters who seem to have an easier path than we do.

In times of need, in times of crisis, in times of pain, let us ponder the words of St. Paul, and be content to put ourselves in God's hands: "Therefore, so that I would not exalt myself, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to torment me so I would not exalt myself. Concerning this, I pleaded with the Lord three times to take it away from me. But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may reside in me. So because of Christ, I am pleased in weaknesses, in insults, in catastrophes, in persecutions, and in pressures. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Cor. 12:7-10, Holman)

Contributed by David
Sunday January 28, 2007
Liturgical Year C Week 9