From Blame to Redemption: Restoring the Broken Relationship of Man, Woman, and God ( Genesis 3:9-24)

Dear Sisters and Brothers, Peace and Love of Christ Jesus be with you all!!!

Today we meditate on story of fall of Adam and  Eve which is one of the most defining moments in salvation history, the rupture of communion between God and humanity. This passage narrates the tragic consequences of Adam and Eve's disobedience, yet within its sorrow, it also unveils God's enduring love and redemptive plan. Let us break open the text, drawing from the richness of the Hebrew language to uncover its depth.

“Where are you?” (Ayekah?) – The Cry of a Seeking God

When Adam and Eve eat from the forbidden tree, their first instinct is to hide. They realize their nakedness, symbolizing their vulnerability, guilt, and separation from God. But notice the first words from God after their fall:

“Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9)

The Hebrew word  (Ayekah?) is not simply a question of location; it is a cry of relationship. God is not seeking information—He already knows where Adam is. He is calling out to a lost soul, to a heart that has drifted away. This is not the voice of an angry judge but of a loving Father who mourns the broken communion. It is the same cry that echoes in every human heart today. God is still asking us : “Where are you? Where is your soul in relation to Me”?

Even today, when we sin, our tendency is to hide, behind excuses, distractions, and even self-righteousness. But God does not give up on us. His call invites us back into relationship.

“The woman you gave me…” – The Blame Game and the Fracture of Unity

Adam’s response to God's question is striking:

“The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate." (Genesis 3:12)

Here, Adam does not just blame Eve; he subtly blames God, “The woman whom YOU gave me…” In Hebrew, the word for woman here is (Ishah), the same word that in Genesis 2:23 Adam had joyfully used when he first saw her, “This at last is bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh!” Now, his language has changed. Instead of cherishing her, he distances himself from her. Sin does not only rupture our relationship with God; it breaks human relationships, especially between man and woman.

How often does this dynamic play out in relationships today? We blame each other for our failures, seek to justify our own actions, and refuse to take responsibility. The harmony between men and women that was intended in Eden, rooted in mutual love and trust, becomes one of competition, mistrust, and brokenness.

“Your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you” (Ve'el ishech teshukatech) : The Struggle for Power

God then speaks to Eve about the consequences of sin:

“Your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you.”(Genesis 3:16)

The Hebrew word (teshukah) means more than just “desire.” It implies an intense longing, sometimes even an urge to control (as seen in Genesis 4:7, where the same word is used of sin desiring to dominate Cain). This suggests that after the fall, the relationship between man and woman will be marked by struggle rather than harmony. Instead of a loving partnership, there will be a battle for dominance.

Does this not reflect what we see in many relationships today? The struggle for power, gender conflicts, abuse, and misunderstandings; all of these trace their roots back to this moment. Sin corrupts the natural order, distorting the beauty of complementarity into rivalry.

But this is not God’s original plan. His intention is not oppression but restoration—a return to mutual love, respect, and unity, which Christ comes to reestablish.

“By the sweat of your face… until you return to the ground”

The Burden of a Broken World

The curse given to Adam:

“By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” (Genesis 3:19)

The Hebrew word for ground, (Adamah), is the very root of Adam’s name. He was taken from the ground, and now because of sin, he will struggle with it. Work, which was originally a joyful participation in God’s creation, becomes a burden. Death enters the world. Humanity is reminded that without God, we are dust.

How often do we see this in our world? Work that is exhausting, life filled with suffering, the inevitability of death—these are not how things were meant to be. And yet, God does not leave us without hope.

“The LORD God made for Adam and his wife garments of skins and clothed them.” (Vaya’as Yahweh Elohim le-Adam u-le-Ish’tow kot’not ‘or) – A Sign of Mercy

Despite their sin, God does something unexpected:

"The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them." (Genesis 3:21)

This act is deeply symbolic. The word for skin, עוֹר (or), implies a sacrifice—perhaps the first death in history. Blood was shed to cover their nakedness. This foreshadows Christ, the Lamb of God, whose blood would one day cover our sin completely. Even in judgment, God’s mercy shines through.

What This Passage Reveals About Man and Woman Today

Genesis 3:9-24 speaks to our world today:

God is still calling us back. No matter how far we have fallen, He still asks, “Where are you?”

Sin has fractured the relationship between men and women. Instead of unity, there is often blame, control, and struggle. But Christ restores what was lost in Eden.

Suffering is real, but so is grace. Work, relationships, and even death bear the scars of sin, yet God's mercy offers us redemption.

Love requires sacrifice. The first garments came from the death of an animal, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, who covers us with His righteousness.

Ultimately, Genesis 3 does not end in despair. Though humanity is exiled from Eden, the path to the new Eden—the New Jerusalem—is already being prepared. The story of salvation is just beginning.

Where Are You? : Perhaps the most urgent question for us today is the same question God asked Adam: “Where are you?”

Where are we in our relationship with God? With one another? With our spouse, our friends, our community? Are we hiding, blaming, or living in the brokenness of sin? Or are we stepping into the grace offered by Christ, the New Adam, who restores what was lost?

May we not remain in hiding but come out and walk once again in the light of God’s love. Amen.🙏🙏🙏

 

Briser les Barrières : La Mission du Christ sans Frontières (Marc 7,31-37)

 

Chers frères et sœurs, que la paix du Christ Jésus soit avec vous tous !

Aujourd’hui, la Sainte Mère Église célèbre la fête des saints Cyrille et Méthode, apôtres des Slaves. En cette occasion, nous méditons sur l’Évangile de saint Marc, où Jésus accomplit un miracle porteur d’un profond message spirituel pour notre vie : la guérison d’un homme sourd et muet.

La Géographie du Salut : Pourquoi tant de lieux ?

Saint Marc nous trace une carte de la grâce en nommant les lieux traversés par Jésus dans sa mission : Tyr, Sidon, la mer de Galilée et la Décapole. Pourquoi une telle précision ? Ces lieux ne sont pas choisis au hasard ; ils révèlent quelque chose de profond sur la mission de Jésus.

• Tyr et Sidon étaient des terres païennes, souvent en opposition avec Israël, marquées par l’idolâtrie et le culte de dieux étrangers. Pourtant, Jésus y est allé, démontrant que le salut ne se limite pas à Israël, mais s’adresse à toutes les nations.
• La mer de Galilée représente un terrain familier de la mission de Jésus, un espace où Juifs et païens coexistaient, formant un pont entre le peuple élu et les nations.
• La Décapole (qui signifie « Dix Villes ») était une région fortement influencée par la culture grecque, où dominaient la pensée hellénistique et le culte païen.

En mentionnant ces lieux, saint Marc nous montre que Jésus traverse à la fois des territoires juifs et païens, apportant la Bonne Nouvelle à tous les peuples. La guérison du sourd-muet n’est pas simplement un acte de compassion, mais un signe de la mission universelle du Christ. Tout comme Cyrille et Méthode ont ensuite apporté l’Évangile aux peuples slaves, Jésus brisait déjà les barrières, accomplissant la prophétie selon laquelle toutes les nations viendraient à la connaissance de Dieu.

La Foi du Peuple : Une Communauté d’Intercesseurs

Contrairement à d’autres miracles où les personnes souffrantes implorent elles-mêmes Jésus, ici, c’est la communauté qui amène l’homme sourd et muet à Lui. Nous assistons à la puissance de l’intercession et à la foi d’un groupe. Cet homme ne pouvait ni entendre ni parler ; il était enfermé dans l’isolement. Mais ses amis, mus par la foi, sont devenus un pont entre lui et le Christ.

C’est un rappel puissant pour nous aujourd’hui. Combien de personnes, dans nos familles, nos lieux de travail et nos sociétés, sont spirituellement sourdes et muettes ? Elles n’entendent pas la voix de Dieu, elles ne savent pas comment Lui parler dans la prière. Comme ces intercesseurs, nous avons la mission de les conduire à Jésus. La foi n’est jamais une possession privée ; elle est faite pour être partagée.

Imaginez si les chrétiens du monde entier adoptaient véritablement cet esprit d’intercession aujourd’hui : quelle transformation verrions-nous ! Des vies seraient renouvelées, des cœurs guéris, des communautés fortifiées par la puissance de Dieu.

D’ailleurs, une initiative mondiale est déjà en cours, invitant les chrétiens de toutes confessions à se rassembler dans la prière. Le 1ᵉʳ mars 2025, des croyants du monde entier se réuniront dans des églises, des foyers et des communautés pour élever leurs voix à l’unisson à travers www.gather25.com. Répondons à cet appel en intercédant pour un monde en quête de guérison, tout comme les amis du sourd-muet l’ont fait.

La Puissance du Toucher Guérisseur de Jésus

Jésus n’opère pas une guérison distante et impersonnelle. Il prend l’homme à l’écart de la foule et le touche. Il met ses doigts dans ses oreilles, applique sa salive sur sa langue. Dans ce geste profondément personnel, nous voyons que la guérison n’est pas seulement une question de puissance, mais aussi d’amour, d’intimité et de restauration.

Puis Jésus lève les yeux vers le ciel, soupire et prononce un seul mot :

« Ephphatha ! » (Ouvre-toi !)

Ce mot araméen est si important que saint Marc choisit de le conserver dans sa forme originale sans le traduire. Pourquoi ? Parce qu’il s’agit d’un commandement divin, d’une parole qui brise les barrières !

• Les oreilles sourdes s’ouvrent : l’homme entend désormais la voix de la vérité.
• La langue entravée est déliée : il peut proclamer les louanges de Dieu.
• L’isolement est brisé : il est pleinement réintégré dans la communauté.

Voilà ce que Jésus fait pour chaque âme qu’Il touche : Il ouvre ce qui est fermé, Il guérit ce qui est brisé, Il restaure ce qui est perdu.

Le Message Caché pour Nous Aujourd’hui : « Ouvre-toi ! »

Le miracle raconté dans l’Évangile d’aujourd’hui ne concerne pas seulement un homme ; il est un message pour toute l’Église et pour chaque disciple du Christ.

• Combien de fois souffrons-nous d’une surdité spirituelle, incapables d’entendre la voix de Dieu dans le tumulte de nos vies ?
• Combien de fois sommes-nous spirituellement muets, hésitants à partager l’Évangile, à prononcer des paroles de foi, d’encouragement ou de vérité ?
• Combien de fois avons-nous besoin que Jésus nous prenne à part et murmure à notre âme : « Ephphatha ! Ouvre-toi ! »

Les saints Cyrille et Méthode, dont nous célébrons aujourd’hui la fête, ont bien compris cet appel. Ils ont apporté la Parole de Dieu aux peuples slaves, traduisant l’Écriture dans leur langue, ouvrant ainsi des cœurs et des oreilles à l’Évangile. Leur mission fait écho à celle de Jésus en Décapole, prouvant que le message du Christ ne connaît ni frontières culturelles, ni barrières linguistiques, ni limites géographiques : il est destiné à toutes les nations !

Notre Appel : Devenir des Porteurs de « Ephphatha »

Le monde d’aujourd’hui est rempli de surdité et de mutisme. Beaucoup sont sourds aux cris des pauvres, à la voix de la vérité, à l’appel du Christ. Beaucoup restent muets face à l’injustice, dans l’évangélisation, dans leur témoignage de foi.

Mais la voix de Jésus retentit encore : « Ephphatha ! Ouvre-toi ! »

En tant que disciples, nous sommes appelés à écouter attentivement Sa voix et à parler avec audace en Son nom. Demandons la grâce d’être véritablement ouverts, de recevoir Sa Parole, d’intercéder pour les autres et de proclamer Son amour à tous les peuples.

Que l’exemple des saints Cyrille et Méthode nous inspire à apporter l’Évangile aux nations, à ceux qui ne l’ont jamais entendu et à ceux qui ont besoin de l’entendre à nouveau.

 

Prions

Seigneur Jésus, touche nos oreilles afin que nous entendions Ta voix.

Touche nos langues afin que nous proclamions Tes louanges.

Ouvre nos cœurs afin que nous aimions comme Tu aimes.

Amen.🙏🙏🙏

 

Breaking Barriers: Christ’s Mission Without Borders. (Mark 7:31-37).

 

Dear Sisters and Brothers, Peace of Christ Jesus be with you all

Today, the Holy Mother Church celebrates the feast of Saints Cyril and Methodius, apostles to the Slavs. On this occasion we meditate on the Gospel of Mark, where Jesus performs a miracle that carries a deep spiritual meaning for our lives: the healing of the deaf and mute man.

The Geography of Salvation: Why So Many Places?

St. Mark gives us a map of grace, naming the places involved in Jesus’ mission: Tyre, Sidon, the Sea of Galilee, and the Decapolis. Why such specificity? These locations are not random; they reveal something profound about Jesus’ mission.

• Tyre and Sidon were historically pagan lands, often at odds with Israel, places of idolatry and foreign gods. Yet, Jesus had just been there, showing that salvation is not confined to Israel alone, it is for all nations.
• The Sea of Galilee represents the familiar ground of Jesus' ministry, a place where Jews and Gentiles coexisted, a bridge between the chosen people and the nations.
• The Decapolis (meaning “Ten Cities”) was a region deeply influenced by Greek culture, a place where Hellenistic thought and pagan worship dominated.

By mentioning all these places, St. Mark is showing us that Jesus is weaving through both Jewish and Gentile territories, bringing the Good News to all people. The healing of the deaf man is not just a private act of kindness, it is a sign of the universal mission of Christ. Just as Cyril and Methodius later brought the Gospel to the Slavic peoples, Jesus was already breaking down barriers, fulfilling the prophecy that all nations would come to know God.

The Faith of the People: A Community of Intercessors

Unlike some miracles where individuals cry out to Jesus for healing, in this case, the deaf man is brought to Him by others. Here, we witness the power of intercession and the faith of a community. This man could neither hear nor speak, he was trapped in isolation. Yet, his friends, moved by faith, became bridges between him and Christ.

This is a powerful reminder for us today. How many people in our families, workplaces, and societies are spiritually deaf and mute? They do not hear God’s voice, they do not know how to speak to Him in prayer. It is our task, like these intercessors, to bring them to Jesus. Faith is never a private possession; it is meant to be shared.

Imagine if Christians all over the world truly embraced this spirit of intercession today, what a transformation we would see! Lives would be renewed, hearts would be healed, and communities would be strengthened by the power of God.

In fact, a global initiative is already underway, inviting Christians of all denominations to come together in prayer. On March 1, 2025, believers around the world will gather in churches, homes, and communities to lift their voices in unity through www.gather25.com. Let us respond to this call, interceding for a world in need of healing, just as the friends of the deaf man did.

The Power of Jesus’ Healing Touch

Jesus does not perform a distant, impersonal healing. He takes the man aside, away from the crowd, and touches him. He puts His fingers into his ears, spits, and touches his tongue. In this deeply personal gesture, we see that healing is not just about power, it is about love, intimacy, and restoration.

Then Jesus looks up to heaven, sighs, and speaks a single word:

“Ephphatha!” (Be opened!)

This Aramaic word is so significant that St. Mark chooses not to translate it but preserves it in its original form. Why? Because it is a divine command, a word that breaks barriers! The deaf ears are opened, meaning the man can now hear the voice of truth. The bound tongue is loosed, meaning he can now proclaim God's praise. The isolation is shattered, meaning he is now fully restored to his community.

This is what Jesus does for every soul He touches, He opens what is closed, heals what is broken, restores what is lost.

The Hidden Message for Us Today: “Be Opened!”

The miracle in today’s Gospel  is not just about one man; it is a message for the whole Church, for every disciple of Christ.

How often do we suffer from spiritual deafness, unable to hear God’s voice in the noise of our busy lives?

How often do we experience spiritual muteness, afraid to share the Gospel, to speak words of faith, encouragement, or truth?

How often do we need Jesus to take us aside and whisper to our souls: “Ephphatha! Be opened!”

Saints Cyril and Methodius, whose feast we celebrate today, understood this command well. They brought the Word of God to the Slavic peoples, translating Scripture into their language, opening ears and hearts to the Gospel. Their mission echoes Jesus’ own work in the Decapolis, proving that Christ’s message is not bound by culture, language, or geography, it is for all nations!

Our Call: Becoming Bearers of  “Ephphatha”

The world today is filled with deafness and muteness. Many are deaf to the cries of the poor, to the voice of truth, to the call of Christ. Many are mute in the face of injustice, in evangelization, in their witness to faith.

But Jesus' voice still resounds: “Ephphatha! Be opened!”

As disciples, we are called to listen attentively to His voice and to speak boldly in His name. Let us ask for the grace to be truly opened, to receive His Word, to intercede for others, and to proclaim His love to all people.

May the example of Saints Cyril and Methodius inspire us to bring the Gospel to the nations, to those who have not yet heard, and to those who need to hear it again.

Let us Pray

Lord Jesus, touch our ears that we may hear Your voice.
Touch our tongues that we may proclaim Your praise.
Open our hearts that we may love as You love.
Ephphatha! Be opened! Amen.

 

The Power of Prayer and the Reality of Spiritual Warfare. (Scripture Reading: Daniel 10:10-14).

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, peace be with you!

Yesterday, I came across a biblical passage, Daniel 10:10-14, that deeply moved me. As I took time to read and meditate on it, I found it to be an eye-opener. The truth it conveys is not only relevant but also urgent for our world today. What is often called “spiritual battle” is real. Our rationalized society may dismiss it as superstition, yet the battle rages on even as I write these words.

How often do we feel that our prayers go unanswered? How often do we wonder why God seems silent in the face of our struggles? Today, I invite you to reflect on this fascinating passage in the Book of Daniel; it will help us  unveil the unseen battles taking place around us, the power of persistent prayer, and the ultimate victory of God’s will.

Daniel, a man of deep faith, was in exile in Perse (the present Iran). His people, the Israelites, remained under foreign rule, and his heart was burdened for their future. For three weeks, Daniel mourned, fasted, and prayed. Then, a heavenly messenger appeared to him with a revelation. But here’s the astonishing part: the angel told Daniel that his prayers had been heard from the very first day, but the answer had been delayed due to a spiritual battle.

This passage reminds us that there is more to life than what we see.  Earthly events are often influenced by unseen spiritual forces. So, it is important to know that our prayers play a vital role in this cosmic struggle. Let’s explore three key lessons from this text.

The Reality of Spiritual Warfare

The angel told Daniel, “The prince of the kingdom of Persia resisted me for twenty-one days” (Daniel 10:13). Who is this “prince of Persia”? This is not a human ruler but a spiritual entity, a demonic force exerting influence over the Persian Empire.

This reveals a profound truth: behind the scenes of human history, a spiritual battle is raging. The Apostle Paul affirms this in Ephesians 6:12: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

What does this mean for us today? It means that conflicts, injustices, and struggles in our world are not merely the result of human decisions, there are unseen spiritual forces at work. They have infiltrated every sector of the society. We need to ask God to open the eyes of our heart to see, understand and act.  But here is the good news: God is still in control, and His angels are fighting on our behalf.

The Power of Persistent Prayer

Daniel prayed for 21 days without seeing an immediate answer. Yet, the angel assured him, “Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard” (Daniel 10:12).

This teaches us two crucial lessons about prayer:

God hears us immediately – Even when we don’t see results, our prayers are not ignored. God listens to every cry of His children.

Perseverance matters: Daniel did not stop praying after a day or a week. He remained steadfast, and his persistence paved the way for divine intervention.

Some Christians often expect instant results. But prayer is not a microwave, it’s sometimes a slow cooker. It requires patience, persistence, and faith. When we pray, we partner with God in His work, and our prayers can break through spiritual barriers. It is also important to maintain a righteous life while praying so that the enemy will have no legal authority over our life.

The Ultimate Victory of God’s Will

Despite opposition from the “prince of Persia,” an angel eventually arrived with God’s message. Why? Because Michael, the archangel, stepped in to help. This reminds us that no matter how fierce the battle, God’s will cannot be thwarted. And this is what satan, fallen angels and their collaborators do not want to accept. They continue to deceive so many souls.

The angel’s message to Daniel was about the future, a reminder that God’s plans extend far beyond our present circumstances. He sees the big picture, and His purposes will ultimately prevail. As Romans 8:28 assures us: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”

Our world is filled with uncertainty. Let us grasp this message of hope: God is sovereign, and His kingdom will triumph. Our prayers, our faithfulness, and our trust in Him are part of that victory.

So, how does this apply to our lives? Here are three practical takeaways:

Be Aware of the Unseen: Let us recognize that life has a spiritual dimension. When you face challenges, remember that there may be more happening than meets the eye. Put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) and stand firm in faith.

Persist in Prayer: Let us not give up when answers seem delayed. Keep praying, keep seeking, and keep trusting. Your prayers are powerful and effective (James 5:16).

Trust in God’s Sovereignty: No matter how chaotic, divided and confused the world seems, God is in control. His plans will prevail, and His kingdom will come. Live with hope and confidence in His promises.

Conclusion

Sisters and Brothers, Daniel’s story reminds us that we are engaged in a great spiritual battle. Yet, our victory is assured. Our prayers matter. Our faithfulness matters. No matter how fierce the struggle, God's eternal will cannot be thwarted. In fact, when we surrender everything to Him in faith and total trust, the enemy is powerless to advance. They may rage and roar, but like dogs chained to a pillar, they can do nothing but bark from a distance.

Let us pray with persistence, live with hope, and trust in the God who sees the unseen and works all things for His glory.

May the Lord strengthen us to stand firm in faith, knowing that He is with us in every battle and that His victory is assured.

Amen.

 

« Os de mes os, chair de ma chair » : Redécouvrir le lien sacré entre l’homme et la femme. (Genèse 2,18-25)

 

Chers frères et sœurs, que la paix du Christ soit avec vous !

Je voudrais centrer ma méditation aujourd’hui sur le deuxième chapitre de la Genèse, qui nous offre un récit plus intime et détaillé de la création par rapport au premier. Contrairement à la vision grandiose et cosmique de Genèse 1, Genèse 2 nous présente un Dieu plein d’amour, façonnant l’homme à partir de la poussière et insufflant en lui le souffle de vie.

À ce stade, l’homme vit seul dans le jardin d’Éden, entouré de créatures, mais il lui manque une compagne qui lui soit assortie. Dans les cultures du Proche-Orient ancien, les récits de création décrivent souvent la formation des êtres humains à travers des combats ou des luttes entre divinités. Mais dans la Genèse, la création est un acte d’amour, culminant dans une relation unique, fruit de la sagesse et de la générosité divines.

L’initiative divine : « Il n’est pas bon que l’homme soit seul »

Pour la première fois dans le récit de la création, Dieu déclare que quelque chose n’est pas bon. Jusqu’à présent, chaque acte créateur était suivi de cette affirmation joyeuse : « Et Dieu vit que cela était bon » (Genèse 1,10, etc.). Mais ici, quelque chose est incomplet. Le mot hébreu lō-ṭôb signifie plus que « pas bon » ; il exprime une réalité inachevée, un manque de plénitude.

Dans son infinie sagesse, Dieu ne laisse pas l’homme dans sa solitude. Il déclare : « Je vais lui faire une aide qui lui soit assortie ». L’expression hébraïque ‘ēzer ke-negdô est souvent mal comprise. Le terme ‘ēzer (« aide ») ne signifie en aucun cas une position d’infériorité. En effet, ce même mot est employé pour désigner Dieu Lui-même comme l’aide d’Israël (Psaume 33,20 ; Deutéronome 33,26). Il exprime un soutien fort, un complément indispensable. Ke-negdô signifie littéralement « correspondant à lui », c’est-à-dire un être égal et distinct, un partenaire qui lui est à la fois semblable et complémentaire.

Le mystère profond de la création de la femme

Dieu ne façonne pas la femme à partir de la poussière de la terre, comme Il l’a fait pour l’homme. Il plonge Adam dans un profond sommeil et forme la femme à partir de son côté (ṣēlā‘). Ce mot, souvent traduit par « côte » en français, signifie aussi « côté » ou « partie d’une structure » en hébreu. Cela suggère non seulement un os, mais surtout une unité profonde : la femme est tirée de l’intérieur même de l’homme, soulignant ainsi leur communion et leur nature partagée.

Lorsque Adam contemple Ève, il s’exclame dans un émerveillement plein de reconnaissance : « Cette fois-ci, c’est l’os de mes os et la chair de ma chair ! On l’appellera ‘femme’ (ishshah), parce qu’elle a été tirée de l’homme (ish) ». Le jeu de mots en hébreu entre ish et ishshah traduit leur lien intime. L’homme et la femme sont deux moitiés d’un tout, appelées à avancer ensemble dans une relation de communion avec Dieu.

L’Alliance du mariage : Un retour à l’unité

Genèse 2,24 révèle la vérité fondamentale sur le mariage : « C’est pourquoi l’homme quittera son père et sa mère et s’attachera à sa femme, et ils deviendront une seule chair ». Ce verset établit le mariage comme une institution divine. L’expression « une seule chair » ne se limite pas à l’union physique ; elle exprime un don total de soi, un lien d’alliance qui reflète l’amour même de Dieu.

Nus et sans honte : L’harmonie originelle

Genèse 2,25 déclare : « L’homme et sa femme étaient tous les deux nus, et ils n’en avaient point honte ». Ce passage va bien au-delà de la nudité physique ; il révèle un état d’amour pur, de confiance et de communion, une relation exempte de peur, de culpabilité ou d’égoïsme. Avant que le péché n’entre dans le monde, Adam et Ève vivaient l’amour tel que Dieu l’avait voulu : un amour fondé sur le don total de soi et la transparence mutuelle.

Puissions-nous accueillir ce passage biblique comme une invitation à redécouvrir la sacralité des relations humaines. Nous savons combien le mot « amour » est souvent déformé par l’égoïsme, combien les relations sont parfois réduites à des échanges intéressés. Dieu nous appelle à retrouver la vision originelle de l’amour : un amour qui se donne, qui est réciproque et qui trouve sa source en Lui.

Il nous rappelle que nous sommes créés pour la communion, et non pour l’isolement, que ce soit dans le mariage, l’amitié ou la fraternité spirituelle.

Puissions-nous, comme Adam, apprendre à regarder l’autre avec émerveillement, respect et gratitude, reconnaissant dans toute relation humaine un reflet du divin. Amen.

 

 

Prière pour redécouvrir le lien sacré de l’amour

Seigneur Tout-Puissant,
Tu nous as créés par amour et pour l’amour,
nous façonnant à Ton image, appelés à la communion.
Dans Ta sagesse, Tu as vu qu’il n’était pas bon que l’homme soit seul,
et Tu lui as donné une compagne,
un lien de soutien mutuel et d’unité profonde.

Seigneur, apprends-nous à redécouvrir la sacralité de nos relations.
Donne-nous de voir l’autre avec respect et gratitude,
de reconnaître en chacun un don précieux de Ton amour.
Là où l’égoïsme a blessé l’amour, apporte la guérison.
Là où la division s’est installée, restaure l’unité.

Apprends-nous à aimer comme Toi Tu aimes—
avec sincérité, confiance et générosité,
afin que nos relations soient le reflet de Ta bonté divine.
Fais de nous des témoins de l’amour vrai,
cherchant toujours la communion et non l’isolement.

Nous Te le demandons par Jésus-Christ, notre Seigneur. Amen.🙏🙏🙏

 

“Bone of My Bones, Flesh of My Flesh”: Rediscovering the Sacred Bond between Man and Woman. (Genesis 2:18-25).

 

Dear Sisters and Brothers, Peace of Christ be with you!!!

I would like to focus my reflection today on the second chapter of Genesis, which offers us a more intimate and detailed account of creation compared to the first. Unlike the grand cosmic vision of Genesis 1, Genesis 2 paints a picture of a loving God who forms man from the dust and breathes life into him.

At this stage, man exists alone in the garden of Eden, surrounded by creatures but lacks a suitable companion. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, creation myths often depicted the making of humans through acts of war or the struggles of deities.[1] But in Genesis, creation is presented as an act of love, culminating in a unique relationship, born out of divine wisdom and generosity. 

The Divine Initiative: It is not Good that man should be alone”.

For the first time in creation, God declares that something is not good. Up until now, every act of creation was followed by God’s joyful affirmation: “And God saw that it was good” (Genesis 1:10, etc.). But here, something is incomplete. The Hebrew word lō˗tôb means more than just “not good”; it implies something unfinished, lacking wholeness.

God, in His infinite wisdom, does not leave man in solitude. Instead, He declares: “I will make him a helper fit for him”. The Hebrew phrase ‘ēzer ke˗negdô is often misunderstood. “Helper” (‘ēzer) does not imply “inferiority”. In fact, the same word is used for God Himself as the helper of Israel (Psalm 33:20, Deuteronomy 33:26). It means a strong support, a complement. “Ke˗negdô” literally means “corresponding to him”, someone equal yet distinct, a partner who mirrors and completes him.

The Deep Mystery of the Creation of Woman.

God does not create the woman from the dust of the earth as He did with the man. Instead, He causes Adam to fall into a deep sleep, and from his side (sela ̒), He forms the woman. This word is often translated as “rib” in English. But in Hebrew, sela ̒ also means “side” or “part of a structure”. This suggests not merely a bone, but a profound oneness; the woman comes from within man, emphasizing their unity and shared nature.

When Adam beholds Eve, his response is one of wonder and recognition: “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman’ (ishshah), because she was taken out of man (ish). The Hebrew wordplay here between ish and ishshah shows their intrinsic connection. Man and woman are two halves of one whole, designed to journey together in communion with God.

 

The Covenant of Marriage: A Return to Unity

Genesis 2:24 reveals the fundamental truth about marriage: “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” This verse establishes marriage as a divine institution. The phrase “one flesh” signifies more than physical unity; it represents a total giving of self, a covenantal bond that reflects God’s own love.

Naked and Unashamed: The Original Harmony:

Genesis 2:25 states: “And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed.” This verse speaks of more than physical nudity; it symbolizes a state of pure love, trust, and communion, a relationship without fear, guilt, or selfishness. Before sin entered the world, Adam and Eve experienced love as God intended: a love rooted in complete openness and mutual gift.

May we receive this biblical passage as an invitation to rediscover the sacredness of human relationships. We know how the word “Love” is often distorted by selfishness, relationships reduced to transactions. God is calling us back to the original vision of love, a love that is self-giving, mutual, and rooted in Him. It reveals that God made us for communion, and not for isolation, whether in marriage, friendship, or spiritual brotherhood and sisterhood.

May we, like Adam, learn to behold each other with wonder, reverence, and gratitude, recognizing in human relationship a reflection of the divine. Amen.

 

 

Prayer for Rediscovering the Sacred Bond of Love

Heavenly Father,
You created us in love and for love,
forming us to reflect Your divine communion.
In Your wisdom, You saw that it was not good for us to be alone,
and so You gifted us with companionship,
a bond of mutual giving and deep unity.

Lord, help us to rediscover the sacredness of our relationships.
May we see one another with reverence and gratitude,
cherishing the dignity You have placed within us.
Where selfishness has distorted love, bring healing.
Where division has entered, restore unity.

Teach us to love as You love—
with openness, trust, and a generous heart,
so that our relationships may be a reflection of Your divine goodness.
May we always seek communion, not isolation,
and live in the harmony for which You created us.

We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.🙏🙏🙏

 

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[1] Dally Stephanie, Myths from Mesopotamia: Creation, the Flood, Gilgamesh, and Others, Oxford University, 2000, 368p.