Today’s verse in the Jesse tree tradition is Genesis 3:1-7 – the fall of Adam and Eve. They fell from grace because they believed the lie and did not believe God. It’s easy for us to look back on the story of our first parents and say “what were they thinking, they were living in paradise for heaven’s sake!” But is it really that unbelievable given the lies we believe everyday? Yes, Adam and Eve had paradise, but there was no precedent, no manual they could follow or refer to. We, on the other hand, have a library called the BIBLE with 73 books we can refer to not only for instruction but for evidence of God’s love and faithfulness.

STAY AWAKE

We believe the lies, we give in to temptation to sin, often doing the same thing the serpent did to Adam and Eve. We convince ourselves that it’s just not as bad as God said it is. We often “tweak” the commandments to justify the sin we’re about to commit is not “that bad” or doesn’t apply to that commandment. I don’t know about you, but I find the culprit of my weakness and submission to sin is distraction. So when I think about ways in which I can live in deeper union with God, I know I have to keep laser focused on Him and Him alone. Stay awake, as Scripture says, and do not allow the distractions (sometimes disguised as good deeds) make you lose sight of God’s plan.

Participation

I’ve written in the past about our call to participation. Participation in God’s plan for our lives. It’s what He desires of us – to participate in His plan. How do we participate? By living a virtuous life, following the commandments and cultivating a deep, intimate relationship with God. By being the light in the darkness and continuing Jesus’ work in the present day. Unfortunately, there are moments in our lives where we refuse to participate, we stifle the Spirit and we insist on doing things our own way. In preparing this reflection, it hit me – in those moments where we basically say no to God, we are still participating in something. We are participating in the evil one’s plan as opposed to God’s plan.

It doesn’t have to be that way. Once the temptation creeps in, it’s up to us to tune out the voice of the “serpent” and we can only do that if we’re not distracted. More importantly, we have to be well equipped with the armor we’ve been given – the Bible, the commandments, the sacraments and prayer. It’s only then that we will be prepared to play the intense game of “whack a serpent” on the daily – by renouncing the lies that creep in and declaring the Truth.

Bottom line is, we have to remain present and remember there are 2 competing voices vying for our attention. We must choose to respond to the voice that affirms our belief in God. If we find ourselves “negotiating” or distracted – pray Psalm 91. If we don’t have access to it or don’t have much time then we can and should rely on the name of Jesus to get us through.

Encounter

This past summer I took a four week intensive course through Encounter Healing Ministries. I can’t tell you how much this course has helped me in the battle by recognizing the lies and declaring Truth in Jesus’ name. I would highly recommend it. I’m definitely more alert since I took the course.

So, next time temptation creeps in, call on Jesus, read Scripture, stay close to the sacraments and don’t give in assuming you can just blame the serpent. Truth is, although he had a role to play, you chose to participate! Fear not though, for we have the power to tread on serpents! God bless you!

What are you? The reading for the second day of the Jesse Tree was Genesis 2:7-9; 18-24. It helped me answer that question. Not only did it help answer the question, but it also challenged me, at the beginning of this liturgical year, to work on tearing down the walls and strongholds in my life. Let me explain.

Man became a living soul

Verse 7 tells us man became a living soul AFTER God breathed life into him. God is my Source and apart from Him I can do nothing. Only when I am connected, through prayer, worship and community am I fully alive. The Truth is, I am dependent.

From the ground

All created things were created from the ground. Man, trees, every beast and bird. This confirmed for me the fact that EVERYTHING belongs and should be treated with reverence because God willed it all into existence. Yes, humans have intellect and will. The only creature with those things, but I pose a question: Does that make us better or does it simply impose greater responsibility on us? The idea that everything belongs because it’s all created from the same substance gave deeper meaning to the word stewardship and opened my eyes wider to my role in this world as a steward of God’s creation. It humbled me as I considered God’s conscious desire to create both me AND the trees and birds in my backyard. The Truth is, I am connected.

In my nakedness

In my nakedness? Oh my! LOL! Verse 24 tells us “man and his wife were both naked and unashamed.” Can I just say – I imagine how comfortable that must have been and I’m a little jealous. No uncomfortable bras, underwear, pants and belts, but I digress. Reading about the nakedness brought to mind the freedom in vulnerability. As I expose my thoughts through this blog and the Tuned in to Love podcast, there’s a sense of freedom that comes with sharing who and what I am.

Adam and Eve were not ashamed of being naked as long as they held on the God’s words and were obedient to His words. As soon as they allowed another voice to take control, all hell broke loose -literally. Can we acknowledge the same thing happens to us. Can we resolve to stay true to who we are in God – to remain in His love and stay in our lane. Can we say yes to Him alone and allow Him to work through us so that we too can be free and unashamed in our nakedness? The Truth is, I am vulnerable.

Full circle

Who am I is often the big question in life. The answer may be different depending on who you ask. But the Truth is I am a child of God. Today I ponder the question: WHAT am I? The TRUTH not the image I’ve created. I am dependent, I am connected and I am vulnerable. I am dependent on God, connected to everything He created and striving to be as “naked” as Adam and Eve in the garden before the fall. While this may be the Truth, there’s always a struggle within me because it’s counter-cultural. Society would have us believe that it’s best to be independent, selfish and strong. These are the roads that lead to happiness, right? Today I renounce that lie and declare the truth that dependence, community and vulnerability are the roads which lead to joy and joy is not fleeting. It is unshakeable! This Advent, strive toward JOY! God bless you!