Monday of Week 6 Year 1

Why do we do things or offer our services in church? Do we do such things and services to serve God? Or do we do such things and services to gain recognition, admiration and to feed our pride and ego? When we do something for church, do we expect praise and recognition from others, especially from the clergy, or do we give thanks to God for the privilege to serve? Also, do we give our best for the church, or do we give only what we can spare?

In today's reading, we come across two brothers, Cain and Abel. The reading tells us: "The Lord looked with favour on Abel and his offering. But he did not look with favour on Cain and his offering, and Cain was very angry and downcast. The Lord asked Cain, '‘Why are you angry and downcast? If you are well disposed, ought you not to lift up your head? But if you are ill disposed, is not sin at the door like a crouching beast hungering for you, which you must master?'" Cain was angry and jealous because his brother Abel had received the Lord's favour. It appears as if Cain had given his offering, but with the intention of getting affirmation or recognition from God. That is why Cain was very angry and downcast, since if we are sincere in offering to God without strings attached, it would not matter whether our offering is looked with favour or not. So, in a rage, Cain killed Abel, thinking that getting rid of the competition would give him sole access to God's favour.

What about us? Have we become like Cain, expecting fame, recognition and affirmation from others for what we have done or contributed. Are we feeding our pride and ego when we offer our services to the church? May we take caution and not become so proud and conceited. Instead, may we do all things with humility and gratefulness, for the glory of God.