5th Week in Ord. Time, Saturday – 11th February 2023 – Genesis 3,9-24; Mark 8,1-10
Immense Personal Love
Today’s first reading’s account of God confronting the sinful first couple is sad, but there is also hope. When Adam and Eve are confronted by God about not being open with God, they first try to hide themselves, committing the first cover-up. Then, when confronted, they try to switch the blame away from themselves. Their sinfulness prevents them from being comfortable in God’s presence. They hide in the garden and finally come out as God is calling them by name. Obviously, they feel ashamed of disobeying God. However, the hope is that God calls and asks, “where are you?”
It is natural for humans to experience fear when we are confronted for what we have done wrong. If we allow fear to dominate our lives so as not to come out to face God, then the “master of deception” has won another victory. The enemy wants us to hide in fear and shame and not venture out into the light of God. On the other hand, if we are willing to come forth as God calls, and respond to his question, “Where are you?” Then we are willing to step out in faith into the presence of God and are willing to accept responsibility for our failures. Thus, we admit our sinfulness and come out to share in God’s love and forgiveness. When we have supernatural ‘fear’ or ‘awesome respect’ for God, then we will come to know and experience the immense personal love of God.
