1 John 3:11-21 / John 1:43-51
Whenever we gather for family events, we would share stories about our relatives as well as recall events that that had happened.
Usually we would recall and share about the happy moments that had happened and reminisce the experiences that we had together.
However, we would want to avoid embarrassing moments or even tragic events because that would bring up the hurt and pain. We would rather forget those moments and events.
The 1st reading brings us way back to the book of Genesis and to the first murder committed in the Bible. The description is also rather graphic - that Cain cut his brother's throat.
It also delves into the reason for the murder - that Cain's own life was evil and his brother lived a good life.
And then it gives this teaching: you must not be surprised that the world hates you. So contrary to what we would think, when we live a good life, it does not mean that we will be trouble-free.
The evil one would give trouble and even make us commit evil like what happened to Cain.
But in spite of this, the 1st reading urges us to keep on living the good life and to love others even if they do evil to us.
Because if we refuse to love, then we are spiritually dead, and to hate is to be a murderer.
Jesus came to show us how to live a good life and to love even our enemies. When we follow His Way, then the stories of our lives would be testimonies of how God's love overcame the evil that so often threatens us.