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!