My Brother’s Keeper

By Douglas G. Logan

When the Lord inquired of Cain, “Where is Abel, thy brother?” Cain arrogantly replied with the question, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Moses 5:34.)

Cain, of course, had already murdered Abel. One of the most cynical passages in the scriptures. It is one of the most intriguing concepts in contemporary morality. One’s obligation to her/his fellow man/woman. And, its application to the concept of “the common good”.

I have lived in my current home for two years…know my neighbors well, but not intimately. One step beyond “bundt cake”. My neighbors on either side voted for Trump. We live in a neighborhood that I’m guessing is about 55/45 Democratic. We all get along.

If either neighbor were in peril I would, without hesitation, come to their aid. Armed with a machete (in tribute to the Cuban ‘Mambises’). I don’t own a firearm, for moral reasons. But, I would respond, at a trot, to assist because of a sacred obligation I feel as a part of being a decent human.

We live in selfish, cynical times. Decency starts at the bottom. Values have been weakened, compromised, diluted. I am my brother’s keeper. That includes my extended family of human kind. My neighbor, the victim of bullying, a homeless person, a persecuted LGBTQ person, an oppressed woman, a migrant looking for a better life, a black or brown object of discrimination, a desperate alcoholic, the hungry, the impoverished, the oppressed.

I will continue to staunchly back Ukraine in its valiant fight against its invaders. I will rigorously be a champion for Canada, who gave my grandfather his first opportunity to succeed in North America. I will be a champion for Mexico and its hard-working people whose persistence in bettering themselves is a model of industriousness.

I will be an ally of black people who have fought with me in battle, assisted me on construction projects, graced the stages of the entertainments I promoted, were the combatants of the matches and contests I presented. I will respect and honor all women; family members, work colleagues, partners, nurturers, collaborators, friends.

This is my creed. I am my brother’s keeper.

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