Daily Readings - Thu Sep 14 2017

First Reading - Numbers 21.4-9

⁴Then they set out from mount Hor, by the way that leads to the Red Sea, to circle around the land of Edom. And the people began to tire of their journey and hardships⁵And speaking against God and Moses, they said: "Why did you lead us away from Egypt, so as to die in the wilderness? Bread is lacking; there are no waters. Our soul is now nauseous over this very light food.⁶For this reason, the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, which wounded or killed many of them⁷And so they went to Moses, and they said: "We have sinned, because we have spoken against the Lord and against you. Pray, so that he may take away these serpents from us." And Moses prayed for the people⁸And the Lord said to him: "Make a bronze serpent, and place it as a sign. Whoever, having been struck, gazes upon it, shall live.⁹Therefore, Moses made a bronze serpent, and he placed it as a sign. When those who had been struck gazed upon it, they were healed

Gospel - John 3.13-17

John

Chapter 3

¹³And no one has ascended to heaven, except the one who descended from heaven: the Son of man who is in heaven¹⁴And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so also must the Son of man be lifted up¹⁵so that whoever believes in him may not perish, but may have eternal life¹⁶For God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that all who believe in him may not perish, but may have eternal life¹⁷For God did not send his Son into the world, in order to judge the world, but in order that the world may be saved through him

Sermon

In today's readings, we encounter two profound narratives that, though separated by time, are deeply connected in their spiritual significance. The first reading from Numbers recounts the Israelites' arduous journey through the wilderness, marked by their frustration and impatience. Their complaints against God and Moses lead to a trial: fiery serpents are sent upon them, causing suffering and death. Yet, in their repentance, Moses intercedes, and God provides a symbol of salvation—a bronze serpent lifted high. Those who gaze upon it are healed, illustrating the power of faith and divine mercy. The Gospel reading from John elevates this ancient story to a theological heights. Jesus draws a parallel between the bronze serpent and Himself, declaring that just as the serpent was lifted up, He too must be lifted up on the cross. This act of being lifted up is not merely a physical event but a spiritual one, offering eternal life to all who believe. John's passage underscores the depth of God's love, for He gave His only Son not to condemn the world but to save it. This love is not conditional but transformative, inviting all to embrace salvation through faith. These readings invite us to reflect on our own journeys of faith. Like the Israelites, we face trials and uncertainties, moments where doubt creeps in. Yet, in these moments, we are called to look up—to lift our eyes and hearts to Christ, who was lifted up for our salvation. The bronze serpent and the cross remind us that healing and redemption are found in gazing upon God's love incarnate. In our daily struggles, may we trust in God's plan, even when the path seems uncertain. Let us embrace the gift of faith, knowing that through belief in Christ, we are offered eternal life—a life transformed by love and grace.