First reading Numbers 21:4-9
If anyone was bitten by a serpent, he looked up at the bronze serpent and lived
On the way through the wilderness the people lost patience. They spoke against God and against 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.’
At this God sent fiery serpents among the people; their bite brought death to many in Israel. The people came and said to Moses, ‘We have sinned by speaking against the Lord and against you. Intercede for us with the Lord to save us from these serpents.’ Moses interceded for the people, and the Lord answered him, ‘Make a fiery serpent and put it on a standard. If anyone is bitten and looks at it, he shall live.’ So Moses fashioned a bronze serpent which he put on a standard, and if anyone was bitten by a serpent, he looked at the bronze serpent and lived.
Responsorial Psalm 77(78):1-2,34-38
R. Do not forget the works of the Lord!
Hearken, my people, to my teaching;
incline your ears to the words of my mouth.
I will open my mouth in a parable,
I will utter mysteries from of old.
incline your ears to the words of my mouth.
I will open my mouth in a parable,
I will utter mysteries from of old.
While he slew them they sought him
and inquired after God again,
Remembering that God was their rock
and the Most High God, their redeemer.
But they flattered him with their mouths
and lied to him with their tongues,
Though their hearts were not steadfast toward him,
nor were they faithful to his covenant.
But he, being merciful, forgave their sin
and destroyed them not;
Often he turned back his anger
and let none of his wrath be roused.
Gospel John 3:13-17
God sent his Son so that through him the world might be saved
Jesus said to Nicodemus:
‘No one has gone up to heaven
except the one who came down from heaven,
the Son of Man who is in heaven;
and the Son of Man must be lifted up
as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert,
so that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.
Yes, God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son,
so that everyone who believes in him may not be lost
but may have eternal life.
For God sent his Son into the world
not to condemn the world,
but so that through him the world might be saved.’
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Look at Jesus
“On the way through the wilderness the people lost patience…” (1st reading, Numbers 21:4). The Israelites travelled through the waterless desert without seeing any sign of the Promised Land. Thus, they became discouraged and impatient. Let us reflect on our own journey through the wilderness of limitations, difficulties and problems. In moments of trials, we often end up tired and disillusioned. With heads downcast, we forgot to look up towards God. In the passage of Numbers, God told Moses, “Make a fiery serpent and put it on a standard. If anyone is bitten and looks at it, he shall live”. Suffering is a reality that we cannot avoid. Yet, God calls us to look at the “fiery serpent”, who is none other than Jesus Himself. Fixing our eyes on the crucified Jesus with His outstretched arms, we enter into the loving embrace of God’s love.
Let us recognise God’s greatest gift to us: Jesus. As we journey through life, let us keep looking at Jesus, not with fear but with loving trust. In Him, we find our security, joy and hope.
Reflective question:
Do I allow Jesus to illuminate the darkness of my life with His light of joy and hope?
Do I allow Jesus to illuminate the darkness of my life with His light of joy and hope?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year A” by Sr Sandra Seow FMVD.
