Daily Readings - Mon Sep 14 2020
First Reading - Numbers 21.4-9 or Philippians 2.6-11
Numbers
4They traveled from Mount Hor along the route to the Red Sea, to go around Edom. But the people grew impatient on the way;5they spoke against God and against Moses, and said, "Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the desert? There is no bread! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food!"6Then the LORD sent venomous snakes among them; they bit the people and many Israelites died.7The people came to Moses and said, "We sinned when we spoke against the LORD and against you. Pray that the LORD will take the snakes away from us." So Moses prayed for the people.8The LORD said to Moses, "Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live."9So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, he lived.
Philippians
6Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,7but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.8And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death--even death on a cross!9Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,10that 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 ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven--the Son of Man.14Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up,15that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
Sermon
In today's readings, we journey through a narrative of trial, redemption, and divine love. The first reading from Numbers recounts the Israelites' arduous journey through the wilderness, marked by their discontent and impatience. Their murmurs against God and Moses lead to a trial where fiery serpents are sent upon them. Recognizing their sin, the people repent, and Moses intercedes, leading to the creation of a bronze serpent—a symbol of healing for those who gaze upon it in faith.
The Gospel of John reveals the profound connection between this ancient story and the mission of Jesus Christ. Just as Moses lifted the bronze serpent, Jesus must be lifted up, drawing all people to himself. The iconic verse, John 3:16, underscores God's boundless love, offering His Son as the source of eternal life for all who believe. This act of divine love is not one of judgment but of salvation, inviting humanity to embrace the gift of life through faith in Jesus.
In our daily lives, these readings remind us to trust in God's providence, especially during times of hardship. Just as the Israelites found healing by looking upon the bronze serpent, we are called to gaze upon Christ, lifted on the cross, to find spiritual healing and eternal life. The moral lesson is clear: faith in God's plan, even amidst trials, leads us to redemption and salvation. Let us reflect on how we can deepen our trust in God, embracing His love and grace in our lives.