CAN WE HIDE FROM GOD?

X SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - Genesis 3:9-15

Countless times, the first chapters of Genesis have been read and understood literally, as if they represent a historical narrative that describes facts as they took place. However, that understanding reduces the scope of interpretation and possible application to our lives. Through these texts resounds the word of God challenging us to face ourselves in the presence of God and reflect upon our relationship with Him.

In this Sunday’s first reading, taken from the book of Genesis, we hear the dialogue between God and the humans after they had eaten of the tree. They ignored God’s command, which they had seen as oppressive, in an attempt at independence and self-affirmation. Their disobedience had been an act of revolt and an effort to be the masters of their lives. They had been promised to have their eyes open and become gods. However, when their eyes were opened, they discovered their nakedness and went into hiding in shame, afraid of God.

God came to confront them, like a judge who calls to account the one who misbehaved. Indeed, we are answerable for what we do. And God asked: “Where are you?” As if he did not know where they were. With this simple question, God wanted them to become aware of However, they did not confess their sin and God had to confront them a second time. Unable to deny it, they looked for excuses. It was not their fault. The man blamed the woman and blamed Go as well, who had given him, in the woman, a poisoned gift. And the woman blamed the snake that had seduced her. 

Adam and Eve represent us - and like them, we are in a deer situation. We try to hide, as if ashamed of ourselves, afraid that others may see us for what we are. This wrecked situation we are in is caused by external forces and by our own choices. The external forces, which are forces of evil, are symbolised by the serpent. But we must recognise the contribution we make with our bad choices to this world dominated by lust, pride and selfishness. Why blame others instead of accepting responsibility for our actions?

Then, God addressed the serpent, that is the power of evil or the prince of evil, Satan, cursing it. God did not curse humanity, but he cursed the serpent, meaning that it is before God for judgment and condemnation. And God announces a continuous struggle between the prince of evil and humanity. The serpent will try to bite its heel, but the offspring of the woman will crush the serpent’s head, coming out victorious.

With the responsorial psalm, let us pray to the Lord, full of confidence in his mercy.

If you, O Lord, should mark our guilt,

  Lord, who would survive?

But with you is found forgiveness:

  for this we revere you.

With the Lord there is mercy and fullness of redemption. (Psalm 130)