The Lesson of Cain
Reflecting on the Fifth Sunday after Pentecost: Two Days after Sunday (Year C)
Scripture
For information on semicontinuous and complementary readings in the season after Pentecost or Ordinary Time, click here.
Semicontinuous: Psalm 7; Amos 4:6-13; 1 John 3:11-17
Complementary: Psalm 25:11-20; Proverbs 19:1-17; 1 John 3:11-17
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Prayer
O God, you have taught us to keep all your commandments by loving you and our neighbor: Grant us the grace of your Holy Spirit, that we may be devoted to you with our whole heart, and united to one another with pure affection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer)
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Reflection
The lesson of Cain in 1 John 3:11–17 is a reminder of how hatred dehumanizes and destroys—not only others, but ourselves. Cain, who murdered his brother Abel out of jealousy and resentment, becomes in John’s epistle a symbol of what happens when love is rejected and selfishness reigns.
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