TODAYS REFLECTION 5TH WEEK OF LENT TUES MAR 15

TODAYS REFLECTION 5TH WEEK OF LENT TUES MAR 15 ( Num 21:4-9, Jon 8: 21-30 )

#THECROSSASYMBOLOFHEALINGANDRECONCILIATION#

Refecting on the first reading, we discover that to sin literally means to miss the mark or to be off target. When the people of Israel were afflicted with serpents in the wilderness because of their sin, God instructed Moses: "Make a fiery serpent, and set it on a pole; and every one who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live" (Num 21:8). The visible sign of the "fiery bronze serpent" being lifted up in the sight of the people reminded them of two important facts - sin leads to death and repentance leads to God's mercy and healing.

Beloved, the lifting up of the bronze serpent on a wooden pole points to Jesus Christ being lifted up on the wooden cross at Calvary 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 Saviour of the world.

In the gospel,  Jesus warned his opponents that if they continue to disobey God's word and reject him, they would shut themselves off from God and  die in their sins. Jesus' words echoed the prophetic warning given to Ezekiel ( Ezek 3:18 and 18:18) God warned his people to heed his word before the time is too late. He gives us time to turn to him and to receive his grace and pardon, Our time here in this present world is very limited and short, but that time is right now. May the sacrifice of Jesus' life on the cross be an ultimate proof of God's love for us. Wishing you Tuesday blessings.