Adam, where are you?

(Imaginary dialogue inspired by the painting of Deacon Andrei Bodko)

Christ: Adam, where are you?

Adam: I don't know, Lord. Everyone finds me. I can't find myself anymore.

Christ: I found you.

Adam: Then why do you ask me?

Christ: So you can tell Me where you've ended up.

Adam: Far away.

Christ: From whom?

Adam: From You. From myself. From the people I love. I'm always busy, always connected, always somewhere. And yet, I feel like I'm nowhere.

Christ: Since when did you realize?

Adam: For a long time. But I kept going.

Christ: Why?

Adam: It was easier to keep myself busy.

Christ: And now?

Adam: I'm tired.

Christ: What tired you?

Adam: Answering everyone. Pretending to be fine. Keeping everything under control. Waking up in the morning and starting all over again. The worst part is that I got used to living without You.

Christ: I haven't stopped looking for you.

Adam: I thought I had lost You.

Christ: You left, Adam. I didn't abandon you.

Adam: Then why do I feel You so far away?

Christ: Because you walked a long way without Me.

Adam: I'm ashamed that I'm only looking for You now.

Christ: I was waiting for you.

Adam: And what if tomorrow I go back to the same life?

Christ: Call Me again.

Adam: And what if I forget You again?

Christ: I don't forget you.

Adam: Why do You still want me?

Christ: Because I love you.

Adam: As I am?

Christ: As you are now.

Adam: I don't know how to turn back.

Christ: Stop running.

Adam: And then?

Christ: Stay.

Adam: Lord...

Christ: I'm listening to you.

Adam: I missed You.

Christ: I know.

Adam: Then how come I haven't heard You until now?

Christ: Because all the others spoke louder.

Adam: And now?

Christ: Now you've heard Me.

Adam: Stay a little longer.

Christ: I am here.

Adam: Don't end it.

Christ: I'm not ending it, Adam. I'll stay.

Fr. Ioan Gînscă