Genesis 4:1-15, 25 / Mark 8:11-13
The sin of jealousy is often given the imagery of a green-eyed monster.
Whether it is green-eyed or not, yet a monster it surely is.
Because it makes demands, and it demands utter destruction.
It can be someone's project, possessions, reputation or even life, the ultimate goal is destruction.
Yet the destruction or humiliation of the other person does not benefit us in any way whatsoever.
Yet, we fail to see it - all we see is green; all that we become is a monster.
In the 1st reading Cain failed to see it although God warned him that his jealousy was like a crouching beast hungering to devour him.
In the gospel, the Pharisees also failed to see their jealousy of Jesus.
Their demand for signs was in itself a sign of their jealousy.
So it is necessary to check our thoughts, our words and our actions.
They are signs to us of what is happening in us.
We need to heed these signs, reflect upon them in our prayer, and with God's grace, we will master the devouring beast and the green-eyed monster within us.