It is 16th February 2015. The Readings are from Gen. 4:1-15, 25 and the Gospel is from Mk. 8:11-13. The First reading informs about the First Brothers, their relationship with God and the First murder in the Bible. Cain became a farmer while Abel was a shepherd. Both brought their gifts to God. God accepted one and rejected another. There is nothing mentioned in the Bible why God rejected the gifts of Cain. The book of Proverb tells us: “The sacrifice of wicked is detestable, how much more when brought with evil intent.” (21:27). God looks at our motives and the quality of what we bring before him. We need to offer God the best not the reject. God gave Cain a chance to improve. “If you do not do well, sin is lurking at the door, it wants to have you, but you must master it.” (Gen. 4:7). God wanted Cain to give up his jealous anger. We need God’s help to get rid of the sin when it is budding before it leads us to the grave sins. God will ask us as He asked Cain: Where is your brother/sister? Are we going to say like Cain, “Am I my brother’s or sister’s keeper?” Perhaps, Cain is still living in us. The Responsorial Psalm inspires telling, “Pay your sacrifice of thanksgiving to God.” In the Gospel we encounter the Pharisees demanding a sign from Jesus. Jesus did not yield to their demand because He knew that they were not going to believe it all. Are we looking for a sign too? Do we have a prejudice like the Pharisees in the power of God? May the Lord bless you and have a good day.