Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Lent
(Numbers 21:4-9; John 8:21-30)
The Israelites were not lost in the desert. They did not need forty years to reach their
goal. They required such a lengthy time
to be transformed into God’s people. Today’s first reading presents a critical
lesson in their transformation.
God’s merciful hand has fed the Israelites. Still, eating the same fare everyday is
trying. When they grumble, God sends poisonous
snakes to teach them humility and patience.
Beyond the hard lesson, God shows mercy again. He cures those bitten by the serpents when
they look upon an image of what caused them misery.
In the gospel Jesus predicts a similar salutary effect when
he is lifted on the cross. Those who
look on him should realize how he is there to replace them. We are the ones who have sinned and deserve
death. However, Jesus, innocent of all
crime, has taken our place in the death chamber. Above all, he deserves our thanks, praise,
and imitation.
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