"...Am I My Brother's Keeper?"

When I read this verse in Genesis with God inquiring to the whereabouts of Cain's brother Abel, I always "flinch" when I read Cain's answer.

" I do not know; am I my brother's keeper?" (Genesis 4: 9b NRSV)

There is an implied tone there that I always think about and maybe because that is just the way I read it, but it seems pretty smarmy to me. It's the kind of tone that would have gotten me in trouble as a yute. (youth; for all of you who have never seen "My Cousin Vinny".)

God obviously knows and is asking rhetorically about what happened to Abel. Cain either doesn't know who he is talking to or was the very first punk with an attitude that so permeates our society today. What I don't like about Cain, is the fact that I see some of this from time to time in my own life. There have been many times in my life that I have an attitude of  " hey it's not my problem, don't bother me."  The real problem with that statement is that I think we all know God expects more from us.

That is why it was so refreshing to see the genuine mutual respect between the brother's Harbaugh. For those of you who just emerged from a bunker to see if the Mayans were right:  IT"S SUPERBOWL WEEKEND!!  COME ON OUT EVERYTHING IS OKAY!!  The two head coaches for the teams in this year's SuperBowl are brothers; Jim and John Harbaugh. It doesn't matter what team you like or even if you like these men. What I witnessed at a dual press conference were two brothers who had genuine love and respect for one another. Given the circumstance that they both understand that when the game clock goes 00:00 ; one will be happy and one will be devastated, they still have the utmost genuine respect and love for each other. I loved watching them compliment each other with words of affirmation and believe me, it wasn't just for the camera.  It's easy to spot when true admiration, love, and respect are the foundation of brotherly love. There is every reason for each of them to despise each other right now, and turn jealous and or devious in their efforts to win at all cost....kind of like Cain did. But not these two. The brothers Harbaugh will both be fine no matter what happens. Even when the cameras are turned off.

"...am I my brother's keeper?'     I hope so, because God certainly would prefer it that way.