When I am lifted you you will realise that I am

When I am lifted you you will realise that I am

By REV. FR. SAMUEL FREDERICK

Num. 21:4-9, Jn 8:21-30. Today's first reading recounts the experience of the Israelites when they left Mount Hor that is by the road to the sea of Suph to skirt the land of Edom. In their impatience, they spoke against God and Moses: "Why did you bring us out of Egypt to die in this wilderness? For there is neither bread nor water here; we are sick of this unsatisfying food." In their ingratitude, they despised the Manna with their destructive grumbling. Moses made a bronze serpent and mounted it on a pole at the command of God, so that all who looked upon it admitting their sin and regretting their offense were cured by the Lord. Acknowledgment of sin purifies the mind and heart, exposing all excuses and calling evil by its proper name, “sin”.

Just as the bronze serpent became a symbol of hope and salvation for the sinful and disobedient people of Israel, the image of Christ Crucified has become for us the symbol of hope and salvation. In the goodness, compassion and forgiveness of God we recognise by contrast our own violent and ingratitudes. In today's Gospel, when Jesus speaks of "going away" the people did not understand because they are from below. With worldly point of view, we will never understand Jesus and His words. At this point they asked Jesus bluntly: "who are you?" He answered: “When I am lifted up you will realise that I am.” The image of Jesus on the Cross shows the effect of human violence but also reveals “the kindness and love of God our Saviour” (Cf. Tit. 3:4). The “miraculous interchange” of which the liturgy speaks is that while Jesus conforms to us externally - adopting our humanity, we are enabled to conform to Him internally, becoming children of God. His goodness forces the poison of our sinfulness out of our system, by His enduring with love the violence of the Crucifixion and through His act of loving self-surrender, we come to belong to God who is above all, in all and through all.

May the Lord heal our world, bring quick recovery to the sick and turn His anger away from us! Amen!! Stay safe and have a panic free day!!!

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