Daily Readings - Thu Sep 14 2017
First Reading - Numbers 21.4-9 or Philippians 2.6-11
Numbers
4And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way.5And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread.6And the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died.7Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD, and against thee; pray unto the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people.8And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live.9And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived.
Philippians
6Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:7But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.9Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:10That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;11And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
John
13And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.14And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:15That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.17For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
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.