Learning what it means to be our brother’s keeper
Posted by Maureen Hains, a J2A mentor
Right after Cain kills his brother Abel, God asks him the question: "Where is your brother?" Cain lies and says, "I don't know. Am I my brother's keeper?"
This conversation has been stuck in my mind since this beginning of the week. As I watched the youth group stretch out of their comfort zone, myself included, and make connections with homeless people and people in need right on the streets I felt the gravity of our situation here on earth.
Why did Cain kill Abel? I don't think it was just out of jealousy, the problem is rooted deeper. Greed. Cain wanted more and Abel was competition. Likewise, our human nature in today's society is set up the same. The rich get richer, the poor get poorer. I see people sharing what they can, I see churches feeding the sheep of their flock and not their flock, and I see governments struggling over how to fix these problems and arguing over who is responsible for the least of these. We are all responsible.
We are our brother's keeper. All of them.
I have been highly impressed with the maturity of our youth group as they gave 100% of their energy, time, and effort to reach out, listen to, feed and clothe people from all walks of life. They did all of this without judgement and they opened their hearts to let this whole week have an affect on how they look at life. I know it has changed my outlook tremendously.
Surprisingly to me, to Kate and to the other mentors, Chip & Debbie, we have not laughed so much in so long - perhaps years. Our J2A is hilarious, fun, energetic, and optomistic about any situation thrown at them. It is comforting to look at them and see the future of the church.
Today we will spend one last day gallavanting around town, exploring, and being adventurous. I am sad to be departing from the group this afternoon and not flying home with them, but I will be heading down to Fresno. I completed a youth ministry internship with First Presbyterian Church in downtown Fresno back in 2005, an experience that had a huge impact on my life. I look forward to reconnecting with my friends and reflecting on this amazing week.
Thank you to St. Paul's for sharing your youth and allowing me to be a part of this awesome experience. Being a mentor this year has been extremely rewarding and a gift.
Peace,
~Maux~
Bryan said it all… “Wow! Thank you!”