The Way Home: Inhabiting the Realm of the Human

Abstract

The symphony of life, centred on the human being and the relationships of reciprocity, breaks off abruptly with the arrival of pain and then death. This is what happens in the third chapter of Genesis. The first turn of events on the scene is the arrival of the snake that speaks to the woman. The words of the serpent speak of the fruits of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, those that Elohim had proscribed for Adam: “You must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die”. In reality what we are facing is not so much a ban but a warning, a promise: no human can eat those fruits because eating them would cause him die. The snake is introduced as the “most cunning” of all animals created. The serpent was also part of that creation which was beautiful and good, and the possessor of an intelligence that Adam knew because he had given a name to it. Intelligence is not always used for the benefit of life and the good.

The jasmine bush of the house has been completely worn by rain and storms in recent days, its white flowers are floating here and there on the dark and muddy puddles and on the low roof of the garage. However, inside of me somewhere, it continues to flourish undisturbed, exuberant and tender as ever.

(Etty Hillesum, Diary).