Daily Prayers

Prayer is Love, I want to Love

Cain And Abel

Biblical Date: Pre 3000BC

Adam and Eve had two sons whom they called Cain and Abel. Cain, the eldest, tilled the land and Abel shepherded a flock.

Quotation: "Keep your cool, manage anger"

When the time came for them to offer sacrifice to God, Cain selected fruit while Abel offered the first-born of his flock. God was not pleased with Cain’s offering, in contrast to Abel, who had made a worthy and sincere sacrifice, coming from his heart.

Cain’s response to God’s disappointment was not to reflect on his own selfish actions and change his ways but instead, plan Abel’s murder! He invited Abel to a quiet place in a field and killed him.

When God asked Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?” Cain continued to show his disdain and anger saying,  “I don’t know! Am I my brother’s guardian?” (Genesis 4:9)

God punished Cain saying, “When you try to cultivate the ground it will no longer yield its best for you. You will be a homeless wanderer on the earth”. (Genesis 4:12(Genesis 4:1-16)

Thoughts
Child hugging and kissing another child

1. True faith means sincere and honest actions.

2. Don’t let anger dominate feelings! Remember, it’s just a short step from anger to revenge and murder!

Reflection

Lord Jesus, remove from my thoughts all feelings of resentment and anger. Help me to see only your endless love for me and fill my heart with your peace. Amen.

Prayer: Be at Peace (St Francis de Sales)

Do not look forward in fear to the changes in life;
rather, look to them with full hope that as they arise,
God, whose very own you are,
will lead you safely through all things;
and when you cannot stand it,
God will carry you in His arms.

Do not fear what may happen tomorrow;
the same understanding Father who cares for you today
will take care of you then and every day.

He will either shield you from suffering
or will give you unfailing strength to bear it.
Be at peace,
and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations.


Top Questions:

How serious is the sin of murder?

It is very grave. It is the fifth of the Ten Commandments; you shall not kill.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states:

“Human life is sacred because… it involves the creative action of God and it remains for ever in a special relationship with the Creator… God alone is the Lord of life from its beginning until its end: – No one can under any circumstance claim for himself the right directly to destroy an innocent human being.”

Can murder be forgiven?

Yes, but only when there is true repentance. (See next question).

God is loving and merciful. He created us and, despite our tragic failings, He wants us to “be holy, because I am holy”. (1 Peter 1:16) However, the choice is ours to make, good or evil.

What is true repentance?

You must:

  • Acknowledge the gravity of the sin,
  • Be truly sorry,
  • Reject satan,
  • Go to a Priest, confess the sin and follow all instructions,
  • Accept Gods merciful love and share it with others,
  • Change old ways, no looking back, and remain in holiness,
  • Move closer to Jesus through daily prayer and daily actions.