Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Scholastica, Virgin
Readings: Gn 3:1-8; Ps 32:1-2, 5, 6, 7; Mk 7:31-37
Notes: The first reading is so powerful in its own right.
So many things at play at once and you can be certain scripture is accurate to say the serpent was the most cunning of all the animals that the LORD God had made.
For our part we must own some parts of the story, yes?
- False question – Did God really tell you not to eat from any of the trees in the garden?”
R. False answer – The woman answered the serpent: ‘You shall not eat it or even touch it, lest you die.'” - False statement (half-truth) – “You certainly will not die!
R. The other half – [this instant, but – “when you eat from it you shall die.” - Adam was instructed. Adam transmitted the instruction to Eve (or misled her).
The LORD God gave the man this order: You are free to eat from any of the trees of the garden except the tree of knowledge of good and evil. From that tree you shall not eat; when you eat from it you shall die.
E. So she took some of its fruit and ate it; and she also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.
This is why it is called Adam’s Sin – not Eve’s.
The woman saw that the tree was good for food, pleasing to the eyes, and desirable for gaining wisdom.
Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized that they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves.
This is an interesting twist to the story. In fact, they did receive wisdom. They are naked.
They also achieved guilt and shame; thus, they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves.
Hidden within is God’s mercy. The ‘wisdom’ the serpent wanted for them (shame, guilt, self-reliance) was transformed into remedy and mitigation. It is the first echo of the mercy of God. Responsibility. Restoration.
The LORD God made for the man and his wife garments of skin, with which he clothed them (Gen 3:21)
This first opening of the eye is related to the opening of the ear in our gospel portion today.
“Ephphatha!” (that is, “Be opened!”)
And immediately the man’s ears were opened, his speech impediment was removed, and he spoke plainly.
Listen to G-d when he speaks.
Whoever has ears ought to hear (Matt 11:15).
He summoned the crowd and said to them, “Hear [Listen] and understand (Matt 15:10).
From the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him (Matt 17:5b).
First reading
Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized that they were naked.
Responsorial Psalm
Blessed are those whose sins are forgiven.
Blessed is he whose fault is taken away, whose sin is covered. Blessed the man to whom the LORD imputes not guilt, in whose spirit there is no guile.
R. Blessed are those whose sins are forgiven.
Then I acknowledged my sin to you, my guilt I covered not. I said, “I confess my faults to the LORD,” and you took away the guilt of my sin.
Alleluia Verse
Open our hearts, O Lord, to listen to the words of your Son.
Gospel Portion
They were exceedingly astonished and they said, “He has done all things well. He makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Deacon Gerry Palermo 