What do Catholics learn from Cain? In every age, Cain kills his smarter, better brother. TV Crime shows tell of those driven to murder by jealousy. Cain’s cry has echoed for thousands of years, “I am smarter and better!”
On TV, jealous people on parade endlessly echo, “We are smarter and better!” Their jealousy does recognize a great truth: “It is important to be smart and good.” Sadly, the spirit of jealousy drives those it possesses to Cain’s conclusion: “The only way I may be smart and good is to destroy those who are smarter and better!”
In Heaven, Jealousy took Spiritual Form when fallen angels tried to destroy God. On earth, Jealousy took religious and political form with the Crucifixion of Jesus. “He Who Fulfilled The Prophecies must die!”
In religion, inventors of 45,000 denominations have decreed: “I am so smart and good that I can get you into Heaven! If you do as I say, you will prove to God and others that you are smarter and better!”
In politics, followers coalesce around those who promise: “You deserve more because you are smarter and better!”
In business, those able to institutionalize their desires proclaim: “If you eat this food, drink this drink, take this medicine, wear these clothes, use these gadgets, live in these dwellings, drive these cars, make these investments, and go to these places, you will prove that you are smarter and better!”
In “intellectual” circles, it is decreed: “If you think these thoughts, share these concerns, read these books, support these causes, join these groups, and believe that feelings are the most important things a person can have, you will show yourself to be both smarter and better!”
All human activity glorifies Cain’s vain thought “I am smarter and better and I deserve more!”
Catholics go down a different road. “Humble obedience is better than vanity. We count our blessings. We are grateful for our lives and souls. We will love God and our neighbor. We will follow the unchanging teachings of The Only Church Jesus Founded.”
What do Catholics learn from Cain? We learn to be Catholic!
