This one, at last, is bone of my bones
and flesh of my flesh; this one shall be called 'woman,' for out of 'her man' this one has been taken."
Adam’s joyful shout upon seeing Eve celebrates her desirability; she is beautiful in his eyes; and he, also, is gorgeous to her. They are meant for each other.
Marriage, honored by the Church with its highest distinction, a sacrament, speaks of God's passionate devotion to the Church, even as it reminds us of our fidelity to God. We are sinful; there's no doubt; but God's grace has kept us in the embrace of the Sacraments -- especially Baptism and Eucharist -- throughout the centuries.
The faithful are still delighted by the presence of God, especially in the Blessed Sacrament; and why should we not suppose God is still "pleased" with us? Didn't we hear the Father utter that very word as Jesus -- our bridegroom -- emerged from the Jordan River? As we are his body; he is our head.
We get beat up a lot in this world. Families quarrel, friends betray, strangers neglect. Even the dominant group -- white males -- suffer some abuse. The less powerful among us -- children, women, ethnic minorities, obese people, aging people, people with disabilities, gays and how many others? -- routinely hear insults. It can be hard to think well of oneself.
Adam's shout reminds us of how God sees us, with delight and exquisite pleasure. There is nothing God would not do for us, even to taking the form of a slave and suffering death, death on a cross.
Along with the daily examination of conscience when we consider our sinfulness, we should remember how we appear in God's eyes. Ravishing. Irresistible. Utterly Delightful.
No comments:
Post a Comment
I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.