Abba’s Arm

We all know Michaelangelo’s famous painting depicting the creation of Adam. God the Father is shown reaching out His strong, life-giving right hand, His divine finger touching the humble finger of His creature, His beloved son. Abba imparting His divine spark to Adam.

But do we know about the other figure present in this painting? The beloved one tucked securely under the Father’s mighty left arm? It is Eve! The woman! She is so discreet. God’s best kept secret! The Father is protecting her, holding her until the big reveal. She is still nestled next to the Heart of God, safe and sound, until the moment when the Father desires to present Adam with the crown of creation, God’s masterpiece, bone of Adam’s bone, flesh of his flesh. Woman. Eve. At last!

This is a beautiful icon of the Father’s care for each of us. Let us turn to this painting and place ourselves in the position of Eve. God the Father is wrapping His big strong arm around us. He’s got us; we are safe. We are loved. We can release our tension, our worries and concerns. We can pour out the depths and layers of our heart right into His Heart. He wants to hear our tears, our needs, our longings, our aches, our joys, as we rest our head on His chest. In the securing, assuring hold of His arm, we are free and we are at ease. We can sense with every fiber of our being that His whispers of love are true.

He says to us: “It’s ok to let go. I have you. I will not let you go. I am protecting you. You are safe. I am taking care of you. I am taking care of everything. Rest, my dear daughter.” Everything inside of us softens and melts, sighs and breathes deeply and gently. Something inside feels like it can let go for the first time. We have never known a peace so deep, a rest so still and full.

Our Daddy looks deeply into our eyes and says, “I am taking care of him. Your Adam. I am re-creating him. I am touching him; I am healing him. I am showing him the kiss of justice and mercy. That is my job. I am loving him as he needs to be loved so he can love you as you are made to be loved. Surrender him to me as I care for you. I am defending your dignity, and you will be vindicated in my embrace. Let me fight this battle for you. You rest, my daughter. Know that you are loved completely and totally. Your name is Beloved, and you have been loved from all eternity. I know you and I love you with all my Heart.”

We breathe in this infinite, abiding love. Our being discovers deep ease in this communion.

He goes on: “I want to know all of your needs. Yes, I already know them. Heart speaks to heart. And I know you through and through. Place all your needs in me, all your requests, even the ones you may think are silly or small. I take special delight in the little desires of your unique heart. I made you. I love seeing you free as a wildflower, being exactly whom I fashioned with tender care and joy. I will love you into full bloom. You are my most special gift to be offered to man, when I have readied his heart to receive you in pure, passionate love. I prepare for you your Bridegroom, and in my embrace of love, you become His beautiful Bride. My precious daughter, I am taking care of everything. Rest, Beloved. Be loved.”

Yes, Abba. Thank You!
Amen.

Copyright 2022, Marian Veilleux