When God created Adam and Eve, he told them one thing: not to eat from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Every day as the couple walked in the garden, they were reminded of this command. One day, Satan, disguised as a serpent, came to them and tempted them to eat from the tree. They did so, and immediately, they felt shame. And when they heard God walking in the garden, they hid from him.
God called out to Adam and Eve. He knew where they were hiding. But he wanted them to make movement toward him. He was inviting them to converse with him.
In our life, we, too, might be hiding from God. We might be ashamed of something we did. Consequently, we might stop praying or going to Mass. God is searching for us. He wants us to ask for forgiveness. Stop hiding, and run into the merciful arms of the Father.
Lord please hear our prayers and bring your light to all those in need. Come to the side of those experiencing violence in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur, and the Sudan. Please hear the pleas of all those suffering around the world - and give them strength, courage and resilience to continue walking in faith. Send them your light. Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and on the whole world! You sent Your Son, the Prince of Peace, for the salvation of the world. We pray that the Peace of Christ will reign in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur and Sudan. Please protect and send aid to those in need and all who are at-risk. We pray for peace and rebuilding– we who are working towards it and for all those who are suffering or in danger from conflicts. We pray for an end to violence and war – we pray for wisdom for all leaders who have a hand in this. Lord God please help those in most need of thy mercy. Amen.
Fr Looney, thank you for this beautiful reflection and the image of "running into the merciful arms of the Father." Blessings to everyone and prayers for all.
“I forgive you”. Then the spanking. Perhaps I hid to avoid the inevitable consequence.
Here is a different perspective from king David in Psalm 23:4, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid. You are with me. Your shepherd’s rod and staff comfort me!” And we should be very concerned if we don’t get spanked…we are not loved by God or not His children (but belonging to the devil) in Hebrews 12:6, “The Lord trains the one He loves. He corrects everyone He accepts as His son (daughter).” (Proverbs 3:11,12)”
Sin entered the world through Adam and Eve therefore God‘s forgiveness was unnecessary prior to their violation of HIS law.
God's Mercy: "There is no Saint without a past, no sinner without a future." St. Augustine
*** God is gracious and merciful in Isaiah 59:1, "People of Israel, the Lord’s arm is not too weak to save you. His ears aren’t too deaf to hear your cry for help!" *** But sin separates us from God in Isaiah 59:2a, "But your sins have separated you from your God!" *** The resulting effect of sin is shame and guilt which make us think God has left us in Isaiah 59:2b, "They have caused Him to turn His face away from you. So He won’t listen to you!" ******* It is I who turn my back on Him when I sin and it is I who won't listen to Him when my shame and guilt overwhelm me :-(
When Jesus was tempted by satan in the desert, what did He do? He quoted Scripture repeatedly to combat temptation and lies in *** Matthew 4:4, "Jesus answered, “It is written, ‘Man must not live only on bread. He must also live on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ” (Deuteronomy 8:3) *** Matthew 4:7, "Jesus answered him, “It is also written, ‘Do not test the Lord your God.’ ” (Deuteronomy 6:16) *** Matthew 4:10, "Jesus said to him, “Get away from me, Satan! It is written, ‘Worship the Lord your God. He is the only one you should serve.’ ” (Deuteronomy 6:13)" ******* 2 Timothy 3:16-17, "God has breathed life into all Scripture. It is useful for teaching us what is true. It is useful for correcting our mistakes. It is useful for making our lives whole again. It is useful for training us to do what is right. By using Scripture, the servant of God can be completely prepared to do every good thing1" *** How well do you know God and His Word? *** Does His Word shows up in your mind when you go about your daily routines: working, driving, walking, cleaning, talking, thinking, watching TV? *** Do you have the desire to read and study His Word? *** Do you think and talk in God's Word? *** I hear the after Super Bowl interviews and recognize who are familiar with the Scripture because the conversations or answers will in no time lift off the pages of Scripture! ******* However, here is the warning: satan knows the Scripture too, as evident in Matthew 4:6, "“If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. It is written, “ ‘The Lord will command His angels to take good care of You. They will lift You up in their hands. Then You won’t trip over a stone.’ ” (Psalm 91:11,12)"
Adam& Eve forgot that God is loving and forgiving.
Adam and Eve were the first sinners, therefore there was no knowledge of God’s forgiveness because there was no prior sin. They were in uncharted waters where death now entered the world. Such a simple act of disobedience cursed the rest of humanity until Jesus destroyed the contract by hanging on a cross. Jesus thank you for reconciling us back to the Father!
Amen!
My prayer Lord Jesus, you alone can satisfy the hunger in our lives. Fill us all with grateful joy and eager longing for the true heavenly bread which gives health, strength, and wholeness to body and soul alike." Amen
Amen.
Amen. :)
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AMEN!