Day 2: The Fall of Adam & Eve

 For today's reading: Genesis 3 & 4; Psalm 104.

In today's reading, we learn of the Fall of man, when sin entered the world, and death first began to stalk us all to end our lives in this world. Whether what is told in Genesis is meant to be taken literally or not, it is notable that the eating of the forbidden fruit by our primeval parents is about more than just a tree or fruit. By their sin, Adam & Eve bought Satan's deception and broke their covenant with God, and, ignoring His authority, put their will above His.

As the Ignatius Catholic Study Bible notes in the footnotes for Genesis:

Satan was driven by envy to rob man of his blessings and bring death into the world... Jesus thus refers to him as "a murderer from the beginning" (Jn 8:44)... Notice that Satan uses half-truths to seduce and mislead: he claims that the couple will not die (3:4), that their eyes will be opened (3:5), and that they will become like God (3:5)... However, in light of God's intentions, these promised gains turns out to be painful losses (CCC 392, 2847). (p. 62)

A somewhat amusing episode is related where Adam & Eve try to hide from God, as if He wouldn't know where they are at all times (Gen 3:8). I suppose this shows their innocence even after the Fall because in this act, they are rather like toddlers.

We do see the immediate effects of the Fall, with the first murder when Cain slew his brother Abel out of jealousy. We still deal with this curse of Cain to this day, with life being cheapened and murder seemingly being a favorite pastime of ours. It has been said with good reason that the most dangerous predator of man is his fellow man. Cain began this vicious cycle ages ago, but why? Jealousy, to be sure, but over what? This from the BIY Companion, Vol I, is a good possibility and a note of caution for us:

One possible explanation for why God accepts Abel's sacrifice but not Cain's is that Abel offered God the firstfruits (that is, the best) of his flock. We should also ask ourselves if we are offering God our best. When it comes to prayer, do we offer God the "firstfruits" of our day? (p. 8)

 With this, today's reading from Genesis pretty much ends.

In Psalm 104, we find a hymn of praise for God as Creator and Sustainer of life. He not only creates everything, but it is through Him that all is nourished and sustained. God is not the "Watchmaker" but is active in His creation and "renewest the face of the ground" (104:30) , as Scripture attests. This is a beautiful meditation upon Creation in Genesis, ending appropriately with praising God.