Cain’s sacrifice was rejected, and sin lurked at his door. In his jealousy, he murdered his brother and was condemned to exile, unable to conceal his wrongdoing. The Pharisees, however, could hide their sins behind a veil of piety—until Christ exposed them, stirring their anger and discomfort.

This Lent, we are called to honest self-examination. Do we see ourselves as we truly are, beyond the image we present to others? And when confronted with our own sin, will we move beyond defensiveness, discomfort, and anger to embrace the repentance Christ offers?

_{^{Image Credit: Fernand Cormon, (French, 1845-1924) The Head of Cain, ca. 1878-1880, Oil over graphite on canvas, squared for transfer, Raclin Murphy Museum of Art, University of Notre Dame. The Muriel S. and Noah L. Butkin Collection, 2009.045.088.}}