Daily Readings - Tue Apr 05 2022
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.
John
21So he said to them again, "I am going away, and you will seek me, and you will die in your sin. Where I am going, you cannot come."22So the Jews said, "Will he kill himself, since he says, 'Where I am going, you cannot come'?"23He said to them, "You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world.24I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am he you will die in your sins."25So they said to him, "Who are you?" Jesus said to them, "Just what I have been telling you from the beginning.26I have much to say about you and much to judge, but he who sent me is true, and I declare to the world what I have heard from him."27They did not understand that he had been speaking to them about the Father.28So Jesus said to them, "When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me.29And he who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to him."30As he was saying these things, many believed in him.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound narratives that invite us to reflect on faith, trust, and divine providence. The first reading from Numbers recounts the Israelites' journey through the wilderness, where their discontent and lack of faith lead to a trial involving fiery serpents. Moses intercedes, and God provides a bronze serpent as a symbol of salvation, teaching the people to look to God for healing and forgiveness. This ancient story reminds us that even in our struggles and doubts, God offers us a way to be restored and renewed.
The Gospel from John presents Jesus speaking to the Jews about his divine origin and mission. Jesus emphasizes that he comes from above, and his words and actions are rooted in the will of the Father. The passage highlights the misunderstanding of the Jews, who fail to grasp the deeper truth of Jesus' identity. Yet, Jesus remains steadfast, affirming that his purpose is to reveal the Father and to bring light to the world. This exchange invites us to reflect on our own understanding of Jesus and our willingness to trust in his words and promises.
These readings connect in their emphasis on trust and faith. Just as the Israelites needed to look upon the bronze serpent to be healed, we are called to look to Jesus, who is the ultimate expression of God's love and redemption. In our daily lives, we face challenges and uncertainties, but the readings remind us to trust in God's plan and to seek spiritual healing through faith in Jesus. Let us ask ourselves: Do we turn to God in times of difficulty, or do we allow doubt and fear to guide us? May we learn to trust in God's providence and to find healing and strength in Jesus, who is our salvation and our hope.