The LORD God called to the man, “Where are you?” Gen. 3:9
Heavenly Father, thank you. You never get bored or irritated with us. You never have second thoughts or regrets about creating and redeeming us—as though you didn’t anticipate how much we will need your grace until the day you will take us Home.
Because you love us, you discipline us as your children; but you no longer relate to us as our Judge. The Gospel took care of that. When you saved us, you didn’t put us on probation for a trial period, you hid our lives in Christ for eternity. Again, we say thank you.
Today on this Saturday morning, you ask each of your beloved children the same question you asked your son, Adam, “Where are you?” You never ask a question to be informed. You know where we are—geographically, spiritually, emotionally, and every other way.
We’re the ones who need to be honest about where we are, and where we are heading early in this new year. As your children, we are more in Christ than we are anywhere else, and yet…
You know some of us are like Adam, hiding in fear; or like Jonah, running in anger; or like Job, writhing in weariness; or like David, flirting with disaster. Or like the younger son—shamed, fragile, and planning our penance (Luke 15:17-19); or like the older son—cold, harsh, grace-less, and kind-less (Lk. 15:25-32).
Where are we? Show us Father. You have a great history of pursuing, finding, welcoming, and restoring your children. Again, thank you. So Very Amen.