Daily Readings - Thu Sep 14 2017
First Reading - Numbers 21.4-9 or Philippians 2.6-11
Numbers
4From Mount Hor they set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom. And the people became impatient on the way.5And the people spoke against God and against Moses, "Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we loathe this worthless food."6Then the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many people of Israel died.7And the people came to Moses and said, "We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD and against you. Pray to the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us." So Moses prayed for the people.8And the LORD said to Moses, "Make a fiery serpent and set it on a pole, and everyone who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live."9So Moses made a bronze serpent and set it on a pole. And if a serpent bit anyone, he would look at the bronze serpent and live.
Philippians
6who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,7but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.8And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.9Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name,10so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
John
13No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man.14And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up,15that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.16"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might 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.