6TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.

What a horrific scene! The first recorded sin after the fall of our first parents wasn’t just a little lie or a minor disagreement. It was murder. Even worse, it was brother turning against brother. Tragically, we see this pattern of betrayal and bloodshed weave its way throughout the Old Testament—and throughout human history—destroying families and relationships along the way.

But fast-forward to the New Testament. Jesus came to show us that the division and broken relationships we experience aren’t inevitable. He taught us to love our enemies and to be merciful and forgiving, even if it requires us to forgive again and again (Matthew 18:22). He warned us about the destructive power of anger, which can too easily lead to murder (5:21-22). And he did more than just preach about this new way of relating. Through his death and resurrection, he gave us his Spirit, who helps us in the battle against all the vices that can destroy relationships.

Yet even if we love Jesus and are striving to follow him with all our hearts, we can still struggle with the call to build strong, healthy relationships. The Fall still affects us. So many of our sins and sinful desires can divide us from one another. We can hurt each other deeply, even when it’s unintentional. Even little annoyances and irritations can lead to angry words and hardened hearts.

That’s why we need to invite Jesus into our relationships by asking him to bless them and help us to see them as he does. Today, ask him to gently show you where resentment or bitterness has crept into your heart. Maybe there are things you need to repent of, both to the Lord and to the other person. Or maybe the Holy Spirit will help you better understand what the other person is feeling or why they are acting as they are.

Even if you have experienced a major hurt, you can still invite Jesus to heal you. It may take time, so be patient. In the meantime, put your faith in him. With his grace, you can have nurturing, life-giving relationships that give glory to his name!

“Jesus, I thank you for all the relationships in my life.”

Genesis 4:1-15, 25
Psalm 50:1, 8, 16-17, 20-21
Mark 8:11-13