As we begin the sixth week in Ordinary Time, in the Book of Genesis, time and time again human beings turn inward to their selfish desires or act destructively out of fear, perpetuating a cycle of isolation from love and friendship. In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus seems to be almost physically shaking his friends and would be disciples out of their slumber and to open their eyes to what they are missing right in front of them.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus gets frustrated by the ignorance of both his friends and those who would do him harm. They are hung up on the need for some miraculous sign to point them in the right direction, when the path is actually quite clear. In the story of Genesis, the human condition is laid bare through its worst possible outcome. Nevertheless, God, revealing God’s eternal goodness, gives even someone like Cain the opportunity to find his way back from his exile.

Here are the readings for Monday, February 17 from the Book of Genesis and from the Gospel of Mark.

(“Cain and Abel”)

Read page 5 of the Fundamental Principles of the Xaverian Brothers.

Read the biography of Brother Gerard De Beuckelaere, CFX.

(Above photo of Brother Gerard De Beuckelaere, CFX, second from left-Xaverian Brothers)

1. In the Fundamental Principles, the author speaks of entering an intimate relationship with God. How is trust so important to this ongoing relationship?
2. In Mark, Jesus is constantly imploring people to stop waiting for something to happen and to simply be open to the experience, and risks, of relationships. How did Brother Gerard take this invitation seriously?
3. What are the “signs” that we sometimes look for when we make decisions, which are actually distractions because deep down we know the path we should take?