From the desk of the pastor for August 30, 2026

The Lord be with you! Last week we learned how God created humanity good; today we go over how things went bad. The account of the Fall in Genesis 3 warns us all that what is best in us can become the source of corruption.

Before we examine the actual first sins of Adam and Eve, let us note that they existed in preternatural bliss. Whereas "supernatural" always means a gift related to God, "preternatural" means a state of being above nature but not intrinsically divine. In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve enjoyed not merely material creation without sin, but themselves in an elevated manner. Adam and Eve knew each other - and the world - without flaw. They never had to guess each other's mood or motive but had harmony in their thoughts, words, and deeds. Likewise, our first parents related to the world around them without fault.

Those relationships changed dramatically with the serpent and his temptation. Although we usually imagine the serpent as a small creature, we can equally translate the word to mean "worm," as in a gigantic dragon. What would be your reaction if a dragon came to your house, knocked on your door, and said "Can I come in and chat?"

Whether we imagine the Devil as a subtle snake or flying beast of doom, he did not belong in the Garden. Adam had a responsibility to eject this interloper but instead just watches things play out. Likewise, Eve could have told the serpent to leave at any point, but she listens to the sales pitch and mulls it over. By the time that she is eating the Fruit of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, the Devil is gone and it is just her and Adam. When she offers Adam the fruit, he has another chance to stop the whole affair - a chance he misses.

Both Adam and Eve have fallen prey to pride but in different ways. Eve has sought a power that did not belong to her whereas Adam has relied on himself and not God. Neither prayed during their temptation nor did they ask whether what they were doing was good.

Having disobeyed God, Adam and Eve immediately lose their preternatural gifts and Original Justice, which is symbolized by their nakedness. Without those special graces our first parents are truly alone for the first time. The clothing that they make is a feeble attempt to regain control over themselves. Again, they could have gone to God at any point, but the Almighty had to go to them.

Next week we will go over the punishment and why death had to enter into the world. Human beings were made to live with God and all creation in love. Without grace we cannot. May we ardently desire that love of God more each day.

In His Sacred Heart,

Fr. John