After the man, Adam, had eaten of the tree, the LORD
God called to the man and asked him, “Where are you?” Genesis 3:9
In him we were also chosen, destined in accord with the
purpose of the One who accomplishes all things according to the intention of
his will, so that we might exist for the praise of his glory, we who first
hoped in Christ. Ephesians 1:11-12
Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Luke 1:38
Piety
Father, imagine how
troubled we would be to know that the Lord is with us. Really with us. Like in the same homeroom. Reporting to the
same boss. Living in the house next
door. We would probably be more
filled-with-Adam fear than filled-with-Mary grace. Help us to see the Jesus in
our lives and react with some of the humility of Mary for we are chosen
also. Amen.
Study
There are probably not two
more well-known stories in the Bible and popular Christian culture. Adam and Mary seem opposites in so many
ways. But among the ways they are alike is that they
are both troubled to be in the presence of the Lord.
Adam is troubled because
of his new-found knowledge. Mary also is
troubled by her new-found knowledge. How
they each channel that disturbance makes all the difference.
Adam puts his will ahead
of the will of God by deciding to eat the fruit which the Lord has instructed
Adam to avoid. Mary accepts the presence
of the Lord in her life and surrenders her will to His. Mary, accepts her role in salvation history
filled with grace and fear. Adam, just
fear.
And grace has made all the
difference.
Action
The most troubling part
about these readings is tucked in the middle.
“We were chosen also.” How will
we react to this new-found knowledge?
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