Every day of Lent, Bishop Edward Malesic writes a Scripture reflection for the faithful. Follow the bishop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Click HERE for the readings.
God had just freed the Israelites from years of Egyptian slavery, and they complained to Moses about the food that God had provided them: “We are disgusted with this wretched food.” In punishment for this ingratitude, God sent poisonous saraph snakes among them. Many Israelites were killed by their venom. They eventually repented by saying to Moses, “We have sinned in complaining against the LORD and you.” God said to Moses, “Make a saraph and put it on a pole, and whoever looks at it after being bitten will live.” The presence of the saraph on the pole reminded the people of their sin against God and God’s forgiveness.
Jesus said, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will realize that I AM.” Every crucifix reminds us of our sin against God, and God’s forgiveness of our sins. Jesus died to set us free.