God takes upon Himself the price for our sins

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Today's first reading (Num 21,4-9) tells the story of the bronze serpent raised up by Moses in the desert. The people have been freed from Egypt and the euphoria has long worn off. They are hot, thirsty and tired from walking in the dry wilderness. They complain against God and Moses, whom God has anointed as their leader: “Why have you brought us up from Egypt to die in this desert, where there is no food or water? We are disgusted with this wretched food!” The people have been ransomed from slavery. Yet, they seem to have forgotten what has been done for them; they want the old conditions they lived under as slaves. The Bible tells us that poisonous snakes enter their camps as punishment, and many die. When they realize what has happened, they repent. God instructs Moses to lift up a bronze snake on a pole; those bitten who look upon the serpent – symbol of their shame and God's justice – will live.

In today's Gospel (Jn 8:21-30), Jesus tells the people, “For if you do not believe that I AM,
you will die in your sins.” He is obedient to the Father, and the Father is always with Him. He, like the bronze serpent Moses raised to heal those bitten in the desert, will be lifted up in their sight:

“So 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. The one who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, because I always do what is pleasing to him.' Because he spoke this way, many came to believe in him.”

The bronze serpent became a symbol of God's unfathomable mercy. Israel's Deliverer and Saviour takes upon Himself the just punishment for rebellious humanity's sins. This merciful act of divine saving love is fully revealed in Jesus – lifted up to take upon Himself the price for our forgiveness and restoration to the Father. All that is required is our repentance – our turning away from sin and believing in the Gospel. God is so good.

My God, help me today to surrender to Your mercy everything that displeases You. Only You through Christ can bring me to fullness of life in the power of Your Holy Spirit. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Link to readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/040522.cfm 


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