COMMON OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Where are you? 

We are only a few days away from Ash Wednesday, and God’s question to Adam is a good one for us to think about as we approach the season of Lent. Where am I in my relationship with the Lord? Where have I been in my relationships with family and friends, with neighbors and strangers? It’s not a bad examination of conscience!

Of course, in our first reading, God isn’t asking this question because he can’t find Adam. Obviously, God knows where he is; Adam couldn’t hide himself from the all-powerful, all-knowing Creator of the universe. He asks this question so that Adam can come out of hiding and stand before him as he once did. Adam had been deceived about the loving nature of God, and this was his chance to take a step back toward him, a step in the right direction.

That is a helpful way to think about the Sacrament of Confession. Any sin you might have on your conscience is not news to God. He doesn’t need you to inform him. Rather, he wants to start a dialogue with you. He wants you to come to him honestly so that you can receive forgiveness. And so he asks, “Where are you?” He gives you the chance to step out from behind your fears or defenses and admit where you truly are.

This is cause for hope. The fearful hiding is not the end of the story. The brave choice to reach out to God is not the end of the story either. The end of the story is mercy and forgiveness. As God had promised Adam and Eve, the offspring of the woman truly has struck at the head of the serpent (Genesis 3:15). The one who tempts us to hide from our loving God has been overcome. Jesus has defeated Satan’s power over us. Not only can we admit to the Lord where we are, but we can be forgiven and freed from the weight of guilt and fear.

So as Lent approaches, don’t be afraid to answer when you hear God calling out to you, “Where are you?”

“God, sometimes my guilt makes me want to hide from you. Help me to answer your call and come to you so that I can receive forgiveness and life.”

Psalm 90:2-6, 12-13
Mark 8:1-10
Genesis 3:9-24

WORD AMONG US