Jesus said to them, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will realize that I AM, and that I do nothing on my own, but I say only what the Father taught me. (Jn 8:28)

Today's readings: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/033120.cfm 

In today’s Old Testament and Gospel readings, we see an example of how Jesus is the fulfillment of the promise of God in the Old Testament. In the Old Testament reading, from Numbers chapter 21, we read how the Israelites were grumbling and complaining against God and Moses as they wandered through the desert following their escape from Pharaoh in Egypt. In response, God sends seraph serpents - an obvious reference to Satan and sin of Adam and Eve in the Garden. Many of the Israelites are bitten by the serpents and die.  So God tells Moses to make a bronze serpent and mount it on a pole. Upon gazing upon the serpent on the pole, the people are reminded of two important facts - sin leads to death and repentance leads to God's mercy and healing. Those who looked upon the serpent in the pole were healed and did not die.

        In the gospel reading, Jesus says, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will realize that I AM.” Jesus is lifted up and nailed to the Cross, where he took our sins upon himself to make atonement to the Father on our behalf. The cross of Christ broke the curse of sin and death and won pardon, healing, and everlasting life for all who believe in Jesus, the Son of God and Savior of the world.

        As we wander though desert of isolation and separation, do we grumble and complain against God or civil leaders?  Do me allow sin - separation from God - to enter into our lives?  Let us instead take time to gaze upon the Son Of Man, through private and family prayer, daily mass offered online, or Stations of the Cross.  And trusting in God’s healing and mercy may we always be merciful to others.

Blessings,

Deacon Jack Dean

St. Clare of Assisi

jackdean@alumni.rice.edu 

P.S. 

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