The story of original sin continues with a number of accounts all pointing to the source of people's pain and suffering, their separation from God. Today we meet two sons of Adam and Eve. Abel was a shepherd while Cain was a farmer tilling the ground - traditionally hostile groups of people in olden times. God is pleased with Abel's offerings but rejects those of Cain. This makes Cain angry and resentful. When he is invited to visit his brother, Cain kills Abel - violence provoked by jealousy. When asked what happened to his brother, Cain gives the famous answer: "Am I my brother's keeper?" In God's eyes, of course, the answer is obvious.

So Cain is cursed to till the land with difficulty and to live the life of a fugitive without home or friends. He shows no sorrow, only fear for his own safety. He need not worry; anyone who kills him will be punished severely. The message is clear: killing, even in revenge is ruled out. But the lesson has not been learnt. We live today in a world full of violence and killing. Let us not be instigators of violence in any way - in action, in word or even in thought.