Today is the 410th day of the full-scale russian war against Ukraine. Yesterday we had the Dead God. Today we have the Risen God. You may argue theologically, but it is about something other than theology I want to share with you. Still, about the existential experience, you often cannot describe it with correct systematic theological language.
I believe that in the Bible, there are two most important questions of God to humanity: one to Adam, «Where are you, Adam?» and one to Mary Magdalene, «Why do you cry, Mary?»
Both questions invite dialogue and communication. In both cases, God and Jesus initiated a conversation with their creations, which shows His desire to connect with them.
Both questions invite honesty and vulnerability. God's question to Adam prompted him to confess his sin and disobedience, while Jesus' question to Mary allowed her to express her sorrow and pain.
Both questions express an emotional response. In the case of Adam, God's question revealed his disappointment and sadness at what had happened. In the case of Jesus, his question revealed his empathy and compassion for the woman who was crying.
Both questions lead to a deeper understanding of God's character. In the case of Adam, God's question led to a conversation about sin and its consequences, which revealed God's justice and mercy. In the case of Jesus, his question led to a conversation about his resurrection and the hope that it brought, which revealed God's power and love.
Where is the Hope for me in these Two Questions by God to Man and Woman?
Both of these questions relate to the theme of Redemption in the Bible by highlighting God's loving and compassionate nature towards his creation, which we so much underestimate...
In the first question, "Where are you, Adam?", God seeks out Adam after he has sinned and fallen away from his perfect state. This question represents the first step towards Redemption, as God initiates the process of reconciliation with humanity.
Similarly, in the second question, "Why do you cry, Mary?", Jesus addresses Mary Magdalene after his resurrection, showing her that Redemption and hope are possible even amid great sorrow and loss. This question represents the ultimate act of Redemption, as Jesus conquers death and offers the possibility of salvation and eternal life to all who believe in him.
Both questions demonstrate God's love and concern for humanity and his desire to restore us to a right relationship with Him. Through these questions, we see that Redemption is not just a one-time event but an ongoing process in that God is actively involved. The ultimate goal of this process is to bring us into a state of wholeness and completeness, where we can experience the fullness of life that God has intended for us.
During the war, the state of wholeness and completeness relates to theological fantasy because we are so profoundly broken inside and live surrounded by so much broken world. But... The Hope is that God meets us where we are... even in our deepest sorrows and darkness. He condescends to come down to our level.... God's questions remind us of His abiding presence and care. Even when we feel alone, He is there with us... Like with Adam and Mary, God's questions often come to us in life's pivotal moments. We must give heed to His voice... what the pain is...
Even when we feel unworthy or unable to be used by God again, being so profoundly broken by the war, His questions remind us of our significance and purpose in His kingdom plans... God desires an intimate, honest, and vulnerable relationship with us where we openly share our hurts, questions, and sorrows with Him... Every man today should learn to respond to God: "Where are you, Taras?" And every man, along with Jesus, should learn to ask: "Why do you cry, Natasha?"
Peace be with you, the People of the Bridge, and I wish you a Silent Night—your crippled brother in Christ...
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Taras N. Dyatlik, UKRAINE
9 April 2023
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