[An essay from Fr. Basil Stoyka published in a little flyer entitled, "Orthodox Great Lent - Reflections and Meditations," Feb 1977, Royalton Printing Company]
"Cain said to his brother, 'Let us go into the open country!' While they were there, Cain attacked his brother, Abel, and murdered him. Then the Lord said to Cain, 'Where is your brother, Able?' Cain answered, 'I do not know. AM I MY BROTHER'S KEEPER?'"
So we have the first murder of mankind recorded in the Old Testament. (Gen 4:8-9)
Cain tried to justify himself before the Lord for his actions. He said, "Am I my brother's keeper?" These words have echoed down throughout time.
We, too, try to justify our actions today, just like Cain. But we haven't killed. Or have we?
The murder of which I speak is our lack of understanding and love for each other. Let the Great Fast be our window, a time to view ourselves and see what we will see. If we're honest with God and with ourselves, we will see that improvement is needed!
The prayer of St. Ephraim which we pray throughout the Great Fast summarizes what is expected of us.
"O Lord and Master of my life - take from me the spirit of sloth, despair, lust of power and idle talk. But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to Your servant. O Lord and King, grant that I may see my own transgressions, and not to judge brother or sister, for You are blessed unto ages of ages. Amen!"
There's a verse from the hymnology for the Third Sunday of the Fast:
"Because of my evil deeds, I, wretched man, dare not gaze with my eyes to heaven. But like the publican, sighing, I cry to You: 'God, forgive me, a sinner, and deliver me from pharisaic hypocrisy, for You alone are compassionate.'"
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