Greetings on this the Memorial of Saints Cyril, Monk, and Methodius, Bishop
Readings: Genesis 3:1-8; Psalm 32:1-2, 5, 6, 7; Mark 7:31-37
Hiding From Lord
When they heard the sound of the LORD God moving about in the garden
at the breezy time of the day,
the man and his wife hid themselves from the LORD God
among the trees of the garden.
Were they afraid or ashamed? They were fooled to disobey the Lord. Did they fear the Lord now or ashamed? Ashamed is my answer. They saw their nakedness (not a clothing problem). Nakedness can be understood as innocence. They saw their not nakedness.
From AI:
restoring innocence – The Work of the Lord
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.
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.
For this shall every faithful man pray to you
in time of stress.
Though deep waters overflow,
they shall not reach him.
You are my shelter; from distress you will preserve me;
with glad cries of freedom you will ring me round.
Gospel Freedom by the Lord
He looked up to heaven and groaned, and said to him,
“Ephphatha!” (that is, “Be opened!”)
And immediately the man’s ears were opened,
his speech impediment was removed,
and he spoke plainly.
Jesus restores the man to hear and see the Lord.
Personal Reflection
Hiding from the Lord brings no good outcome and prolongs the misery. He is moved for our well-being not our demise.
I need to remind myself the Lord wants to hear everything and see everything as we see and hear them. Then he says “Ephphatha!” and I can see and hear as he wants me to see and hear. So much better!
restored and sealed
Lord, restore my innocence! Or rather a new innocence with the wisdom gained and the armor to keep the commands.
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/021425.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry