A Reflection for the Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church
Find today’s readings here.
I was a pestering older sister growing up. Some may argue that has never changed. My only sibling, a brother two years younger than me, was the unfortunate recipient of my constant teasing. Though I am happy to report that today he is my closest confidant, that was most certainly not always the case.
Often, a round of teasing would end with me panic-whispering to a crying brother, his tears threatening to tell on me for my latest offense. In these moments, the shame and guilt of my bad behavior bubbled to the top, and I tried my best to persuade him to stop crying, offering him free rein to choose the weekend cartoons and pledging my future good behavior. Of course, this rarely worked.
More often than not, one of our parents would overhear the crying, walk into the room and, seeing his red eyes and tear-stained face, would ask: “What happened?” I’m certain my parents, familiar with my track record, already knew the answer. And yet they demanded a confession every time.
In today’s first reading, in which Adam and Eve eat of the forbidden fruit and confess to the Lord what they have done, God asks similar questions.
“Where are you?”
“Who told you that you were naked?”
“Why did you do such a thing?”
The story of the original sin committed by Adam and Eve tells of their shame, confession and subsequent punishment for disobeying God. Despite his warnings, Adam and Eve eat of the forbidden fruit and must face the consequences of their actions. Similarly, 10-year-old Leilani would face shame, eventually confess and receive punishment for her own disobedience.
Although I would like to think that my actions were not as consequential as those of Adam and Eve, they did harm another human being. My parents, caring for both of their children, understood that I had to face the consequences of my actions––and that it was vital for me to own up to my mistakes.
Today I am thinking of the love that God has for each and every one of his children. Despite our mistakes and constant disobedience, he asks that we acknowledge our shortcomings through the sacrament of reconciliation, and rectify our relationships with God and each other. His love, just like the love of our Blessed Virgin Mary whom we celebrate today, endures forever.
