From Our Life Night on March 18th:
In the beginning, Adam and Eve lived without the suffering and consequences of sin. They lived in paradise. There was no sickness or need that was not met. They had a harmonious relationship with each other and with God. This is known as the state of original justice.
(Genesis 2:7-22, CCC 376)
God gave Adam and Eve one commandment, not to eat the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. As long as they obeyed, man could remain in divine intimacy with God. In His love, God gave them the dignity and responsibility of free will.
(Genesis 2:16-17, CCC 396, 1730)
As we know, they abused the gift of free will. They choose to sin, to choose their way over God’s way, and they lost our ability to see God’s goodness and could only see their shame and unworthiness.
(Genesis 3: 8-10, CCC 398)
Today, as a result of man’s disobedience, we live in a fallen world. There is selfishness, mistrust, use, and many more unfortunate realities. Our hearts long for the harmony we once knew.
Immediately after the fall, God promised a savior would come to reunite us to Himself. This promise requires us to trust and to wait faithfully.
(Genesis 3:15, CCC 410-412)
Refection and Family Discussion:
When you make a mistake or choose sin, how does that affect your self-esteem? What is the best way we can recover from making mistakes or from sinful activity?
Has there been a time when you have found it difficult to trust in God’s promises? When? How did you overcome? How did you fail? What did you learn from this experience?