Two Brothers

Peace is not the mere absence of war, but is a virtue that springs from a state of mind,
a disposition for benevolence, confidence and justice.

– Baruch Spinoza (1632-1677)

Dear Friends:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

This is the story of two brothers – born into the same family and inculcated with the same values.  But you’d never guess they were kin if you only knew the story’s end.

The oldest brother was a successful farmer who knew how to produce a crop.  I’ve often fantasized about the joy of being a farmer, and the satisfaction of reaping a crop.  But this is hard work – the ground seems to take as much from a man as he puts into it – and the older brother took pride in what he made happen.  The younger brother was a rancher who knew how to tend his heard.  I’ve never fantasized about this work because I’ve done it.  Let me tell you, there’s no joy or excitement in leading or following cows – but the younger brother took joy in the work he was given.

As the story goes the brothers, Cain and Abel, respectively, brought an offering from their life’s work to God.  Cain’s offering was rejected.  Abel’s offering was accepted.  The rest is history: bitter, jealous anger got the best of Cain and he killed his younger brother.

What’s the difference between Cain and Abel?  How could two brothers have such incredibly different stories?  Sure, no two people are alike – no two siblings are alike! – but this kind of parody?

I think the difference between Cain and Abel is peace.  The best word, a Hebrew word, is Shalom.  It’s a daily use word of blessing for peace, a salutation and a farewell – kind of like Aloha.  It’s also much bigger and deeper than hello, goodbye or aloha.  It speaks to the depths of completeness, wholeness, health, welfare, safety, soundness, tranquility, prosperity, perfectness, fullness, rest, harmony, and the absence of discord.

Cain did not know shalom.  He was in pieces.  For whatever reason(s), he was anxious to prove himself by what he did and what he made.  Like so many people, he was attempting to earn affirmation, acceptance and inclusion – looking for love in all the wrong places – only to find disappointment.

Abel did know shalom – he was wholly at peace.  He worked just as hard as Cain, but did so from a centered disposition of purpose.  His life and labor flowed from deep within his soul, and was an offering of thanks for the affirmation and acceptance he found within the grace of God.

We all, each and every one of us, struggle with the need for affirmation, acceptance and purpose.  At some point along the way we find ourselves needing to know – intimately, deeply, passionately and experientially – shalom.  We need completeness, wholeness and harmony.  We need to know we have what it takes.  We need to know we’re valued.  We need to know we’re loved.

And just so you know – you’re loved like that:

Just as I am, Thou will receive
Will welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve
Because Thy promise I believe
O, Lamb of God, I come.

- Charlotte Elliott

Shalom,
John R. Van Cleef, Captain
Corps Officer