Am I My Brother’s Keeper?
John 11:45–53

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ot sure the phrase “Am I my brother’s keeper?” is a love quote? I understand. When Wesley Snipes answered that question in the movie, New Jack City, his brother was literally on his knees begging for his life. When Cain made that same statement to God, it was right after Cain finished killing Abel. Clearly, the quote does not connote love here. Sometimes it’s your own people who do you in! I mean, John 11:45-53, was the plot to kill Jesus by the Jewish priesthood. How can we say, I am my brother’s keeper, and keep doing things that will kill our siblings? Is that our destiny? Is that our theological and eschatological fate?

Samuel: Scout of Pack and Troop 94, Sylmar, California

I wouldn’t go that far. I saw a kid restore hope in all the adults in the room one Sunday morning. It was Scout Sunday. A young Scout was supposed to be the lay speaker that Sunday. The Scout was all dressed up and looking good. However, when it was the Scout’s time to come up and do the prayer, the Scout was scared and refused to come forward. So, naturally, I asked another Scout to come up and do the reading. No one said anything. The church was quiet, until after a tense minute or two, a young man who didn’t look any older than eight raised his hand and walked up. He took the mic and began reading with confidence, sounding better than some adults. After he finished the reading, he introduced himself as Samuel of Pack 94. His Pack taught him how to lead in times of trouble and when his friends are in need.

No one knew Samuel before that moment, but everyone was proud of him after that moment. Samuel demonstrated what it means to stand up for a friend when the friend may not be able to stand. Samuel taught us all that Sunday that even in the little things, like reading the scripture, we can, in fact, be our brother’s keeper.

Reflection: Next time you think of the phrase “Am I my brother’s keeper?” will your thoughts/actions reflect Cain or Samuel?