GOD’S WORD

5th week in ordinary time Ps 90:2, 3-4abc, 5-6, 12-13 1st Reading: Gen 3:9-24 Gospel: Mk 8:1-10

dragon (see Rev. 12) would do all in his power to search and destroy that Woman who would be his nemesis! But the serpent was doomed from eternity!

When our Lady of Lourdes appeared to Bernadette she introduced herself as The Immaculate Conception! She was the woman, sinless from the womb! Through this favored daughter, the Creator would offer to mankind the grace to reverse the mistake of Eve. Through the obedient handmaid whom the Archangel Gabriel addressed “Ave Maria“the prophecy of Gen 3:15 would be fulfilled! In a marvelous twist the serpent that beguiled Eva would be overcome by the Woman! Oh how wonderful to celebrate the beautiful postscript to the “Paradise Lost” with the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes! Joyfully we pray: “O, Ave Maria, blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus! Amen!”

“The woman said ‘The serpent deceived me and I ate.’” This was the defense of Eve when Yahweh spoke to Adam and Eve. Then God pronounced his judgment against the Serpent! To Adam and Eve, God makes known to them the painful consequences of their “original sin.” Yet even as Yahweh banishes Adam and Eve from paradise, the Good News is announced “I will make you enemies, you and the woman, your offspring and her offspring. He will crush your head and you will strike his heel.” (Gen 3:15)

From eternity the serpent would seek out that prophesied woman who would bear the offspring that would crush his head! The serpent or the