There’s something about watching animal rescue videos that tugs at the heartstrings. Seeing those creatures tremble with fear and helplessness moves us to pity– ultimately because it reminds us of ourselves.
Yes, deep within we store a memory that goes back to our very origins as a human race, when the wound of corruption entered the heart of man and crippling his direct connection to love, filled him instead with a sensation yet unknown, fear.
With a childlike innocence, our forefather, Adam articulates this new feeling to the all-loving God who seeks him: “I heard your voice in the garden and I was afraid because I was naked, so I hid.” Such honesty and clarity in communicating the absurdity of one’s condition is rarely replicated.
Jesus comes to rescue us from our condition, nourishing us as he did with the crowd in today’s gospel reading. His word, his body and blood restore our direct connection to love.
Like Adam, may we be good at naming our fears and the absurd conditions in which we can often find ourselves. And may Christ’s perfect love take us to where we need to be.