Every day of Lent, Bishop Edward Malesic writes a Scripture reflection for the faithful. Follow the bishop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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In today’s first reading from the Book of Numbers, the Israelites are wandering in the desert after being freed from slavery in Egypt. We hear this telling line: “With their patience worn out by the journey, the people complained against God and Moses.”
God responds by sending serpents that bite the people, and many die. Yet God also provides a remedy: those who look upon the bronze serpent lifted on a pole are healed.
How often do we lose patience along the way? How often do we complain to God that life is too difficult, or that we are weary and discouraged? People who grow embittered or “disgusted,” as the reading says, can begin to die inwardly long before physical death comes.
What is the remedy for this kind of death? Jesus gives the answer: “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will realize that I AM.” When we look upon Jesus lifted up on the cross, we discover that he journeys with us, suffers for us, and offers us new life and hope. He is the remedy.
Will we accept his medicine of compassion?