Hope you’re having a great day.

… The story of Cain and Abel.  One of the most famous “Bible Stories.”

Adam and Eve have two sons.  Cain and Abel.

They each bring an offering to G-d.

Abel’s offering is accepted.  And Cain’s is rejected.

Evidently there was something lacking in Cain’s offering.

And in the spirit in which it was brought.

… Cain is very upset.  He’s depressed.

G-d speaks to him and says, “Why are you depressed?”

He tells him that even if you have a spiritual failing, don’t despair.

You can bounce back!  And improve.

… “Cain spoke to his brother Abel … And killed him.” (4:8)

It does not tell us what Cain said to Abel.

He said something.  And then …!

And we wonder.  What did he say?

… Here’s an interesting suggestion.

What did Cain tell Abel?

He told him what G-d said to him!

… And then he killed him?

What’s the connection?

… Cain said to Abel, “You know, G-d is pretty busy! 

But He noticed that I was depressed.  And took the time to talk to me.

He gave me words of encouragement.  Lifted my spirits.

And you?  My brother?

Did you reach out to me?  Did you even notice”?

And then we know what happened!

… It’s a very important message.

About how painful it can be when no one seems to care!

And how important it is to show empathy.

… We can all think of someone who needs some encouragement.

Or just needs to see that we care.  That we think about them.

We may have thought of giving them a call.

And said, “Maybe tomorrow.”

…How about today!