Genesis introduces us to the good of creation—the earthly paradise of
Adam and Eve. However, evil enters the picture, and the battle begins. Right when
it looks darkest, the promise is given—the Redeemer will come from the Woman.In Genesis 2, creation is taking place, all in perfect order. Adam is in the
middle of a lush garden, yet he is alone. God “tills” Adam into existence from the
soil, fashioning him from the dirt. However, the woman, Eve, doesn’t come from
the lowly ground, she is created of something finer, the rib of Adam. She
completes creation; she is a helper to Adam; she compliments him; they live in
communion, in relationship. Everything is in perfect order with the creation of
Eve. ~ Alyssa Bormes (Lesson One Reflection)
I love how Alyssa speaks of love, perfect order, and relationship. When sin occurs we interrupt God’s perfect order, as well as, interfere and cause confusion in our hearts and relationships with God and with others. The reflection really brings to the reader that God’s Mercy is central even in the “darkest” moments. I love how Alyssa describes the protoevangelium (I hope I am spelling this correctly) as an “explosion of good coming”. In His Mercy, God had Our Blessed Mother and Jesus through the Incarnation already planned for us! I am loving how Our Blessed Mother is already present to us in Genesis!!
Agreed, Alyssa’s words really helped me understand this moment in Scripture and Salvation History —esp in relation to Mary — so much better!
Thank you Barbara – God is a God of order – and He is so good to find a path back after we fall from order.
I would love to hear people’s thoughts about the end of chapter 3 and the tree of life. I guess I never noticed that when God was sending Adam and Eve out of the garden, part of the reason was to keep them from eating from the tree of life. I’m curious, before the fall, were they able to eat from that tree? What would have happened if they had eaten of that tree after they had eaten of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil?
This doesn’t relate to Mary, but it has been on my mind.
Lisa – the tree of life would give Adam and Eve eternal life. There was no reason they couldn’t eat from it before – but they just hadn’t. However, once they disobeyed and ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil – they fell from grace. God – who is Mercy – didn’t want them to eat from the tree of life and live forever – because it would be out of a state of grace. Even if God were to now tell them not to eat from the tree of life – He cannot trust that they will obey. So – in an act of mercy – He makes them leave the garden and has an angel protect the tree, in case Adam and Eve would attempt to return to it. Thus – God allows for the physical death of Adam and Eve – where they can wait for Jesus to Redeem them – Jesus conquers death – He descends to hell or Sheol to take the souls to heaven who were waiting – Adam and Eve among them.
Plus – Good Eye – people often miss that second tree!
Lisa, I also had never heard the reason why they were banned from the garden. I always thought that was part of their punishment for disobeying and only now realize that it was so they would not eat from the Tree of Life. This was one of many details that I had not previously realized or understood. Every time I re-read this scripture, I am finding more!
What a beautiful reflection on Eve. I have read the creation story numerous time but never thought about the pivotal role of Eve. Seh completes creation, compliments Adam as they live in communion in a marital relationship. “the redeemer will come from a woman” really hit me. I knew this but the wording emphasizes the importance of Mary and all women.
Thank you Alyssa, you really explained it clearly and gave me much to ponder. I have been focusing on better understanding mercy, both God’s mercy and our call to mercy.
Thank you Alyssa! Your description of an ‘eye to eye’ gaze gave me a visual to reflection on of God, Adam and Eve before sin and then downcast eyes after. Without your reflection I never would have connected that to the Trinity. Wow!
I also love the phrase ‘explosion of good” which is such a wonderful description of God’s mercy and all things put back in order.
I too enjoyed the initial summary, but the addition here was equally as helpful! Bravo Alyssa! Looking forward to tonight’s webinar.
I can’t wait as well – plus – I am so excited for the following weeks as well – what a great journey!
I have read these chapters many times, and I knew there was something in this section which foretold of Mary and Jesus. With the teaching on Genesis 3:15 I now understand in greater depth, what God is revealing to us. Thanks
Good morning,
I know we completed this lesson last night, however, this morning I read September 30th Called by Name entry and I immediately thought of this lesson. I probably wouldn’t have made the connection after reading the Genesis verses once or even twice, but because I read them 5 or 6 times last week, I immediately thought of our scripture readings. Julie Kenny talks about hiding from God and having read the passage more times than I can count, in the past, I didn’t put myself in that same place, hiding from God. In retrospect, I see that I have hidden myself from God many, many times when I have sinned. Sinning has a physical effect on my body. I don’t feel well and I often loose sleep. I will be doing a thorough examination of conscience.
Thank you WINE ladies for always helping me make connections, using scripture, in my everyday life. It is so helpful to have so many ladies, with so much wisdom, share their faith with us/me. I love WINE and look forward to reading this weeks scripture.
Beautiful! What a fantastic insight you have been given this morning!
Isn’t it amazing how not only do the “Called by Name” reflections seem to speak to the exact moment we are experiencing (thank you Holy Spirit), but how spending “a bunch” of time in the scriptures opens your eyes ever more to the message God has for you! (Thank you Holy Spirit, again!)
Thanks for sharing your insights with us, and how fabulous to share this on a day we celebrate St. Jerome, who said, “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.”
My daily prayer for all in our WINE Scripture Study: May we receive the Gospel with reverence, live it with faith and hand it on in love.
Have a blessed day and a blessed week delving into Isaiah!
Amen Kelly!
Beautiful – not only was God tapping you on the shoulder – in turn, He is tapping the rest on the shoulder as well – thank you!
This couldn’t have been more perfect for my week. This helped me so much this week. My classroom got closed because of COVID and I basically got stuck doing whatever was needed at the center. I spent a lot of time taking the time to stay quiet and really taking in what Alyssa was saying. But, I also think that sometimes when it comes to following the commandments it is hard which is why confession is so important and knowing that through creation we are created to make mistakes and with our frustrations taking that little bit of time to just accept that we did make mistakes