MOST PLEASING (02-21-13)

Sirach 35:6

The just one’s sacrifice is most pleasing, nor will it ever be forgotten.

So what happened between Cain and Abel?  Why did Cain killed his brother?  Is it because of envy?  And what was he envy about?

The Bible story would tell us that both gave their own offering to God, based on their capability – Cain would offer from the fruit of his harvest, while Abel would sacrifice from his first-born sheep.

And so what is wrong with Cain’s offering?  Nothing.  It may not be the offering, but the offerer.  In the same Bible reading, God questioned Cain why he was angry.  For God knows what is in his heart.  He may be offering as expected, but God also knows that “sin is crouching at (his) door”.

Cain would just offer for the sake of having something to offered.  He maybe sacrificing inferior products, and just get the best quality food for himself.  While Abel would give the highest yield there is – “portions from the first-born of his flock”.

And so for Abel, he is making the offering, not because it is needed, but because it is the right thing to do in the eyes of God.  That he should make sure that what he offers is the best there is, so God would be satisfied.

For Cain, getting the best this world can offer is his priority.  And he can only provide God the inferior things, for he thinks that god doesn’t really need anything.

But for Abel, the best things in life is for God.  He has no problem parting away with his best animals.  For God really needs one thing – our total love, faith and worship – borne out of total trust in Him.

We are all called to give the best, and it will never ever be forgotten.

Let us pray +

Almighty Father, teach me to give You only the best.  May I do it because I totally trust in Your Word and that I love You above all.  Amen +

To the upright I will show the saving power of God.