You are not only my keeper, but also my brother!
Once, I was in the class when my professor was screening the class. Then he asked one brother, “Where is your fellow brother? Is he still in your community?" Suddenly that brother answered, “I do not know, Father. Am I my brother’s keeper?” We were laughing, but at that moment the professor was not. Later that brother just made a joke and clarified that he really did not know where his brother was.
This simple experience brings me to the conversation between God and Cain (see Genesis 4:1-16, but focus only on verses 1-9). God already warned Cain, for he was very angry with Abel, his brother, because of the offerings. Cain killed his brother Abel. God asked Cain about his brother, and then Cain simply replied, "I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?"
Who is my brother?
Let us deepen our reflection. If somebody asks you about who your brother (or sister) is, what will be your answer? For sure, I do believe that you will refer to your biological brothers/sisters. If you do not have it, you may say that I’m the only one. That’s acceptable, especially related to the relationship between Cain and Abel. Yet, there is also a brother of choice. This kind of brotherhood expands the relationship with others, especially those who are living together in one multicultural community. This is our focus: brotherhood may be possible if you, with heart and mind, choose to be with him, live with him, share experiences together, and walk together. When you choose this kind of brotherhood, you may know your brother, and your relation will grow into the special relationship. I called it a true friendship.
My brother’s keeper
In Hebrew, the word ‘keeper’ is shamar, meaning a shepherd or a watchman. In that story, Abel was a shamar, who guarded and paid close attention to the sheep. When it came out from the mouth of Cain, ‘I’m not my brother’s keeper,’ then it was clear that ‘I’m not a shepherd (I’m a farmer), Why should I have to watch him like he watches his sheep?’ Cain abandoned not only his brother but also the relationship between them. What is important here? A keeper. It is not enough to have only an identity of brotherhood among the others but also to be your brother’s keeper. A keeper is the one who takes care of you, guards you, leads you, and keeps you on the right track. This may have happened in order to make our brotherhood more fruitful. One example is fraternal correction.
Fraternal correction
Fraternal correction goes beyond the normal act of improving others. It goes to the process of true friendship. I am grateful for this kind of correction that is not only improving me as a brother but also deepening my love and understanding about our relationship. I have been experiencing this fraternal correction in the formation, and it is really helping me to grow in faith and love. My brother gives you some corrections, suggestions, and prayers in order to walk together with me in Christ, and so we also may spread this friendship through our services among the people.
At the end, you are not only my keeper but also my brother’s keeper in Christ!
