THE BRONZE SERPENT THE CROSS

TUESDAY WEEK FIVE OF LENT YEAR C. 

YOU WILL KNOW THAT I AM HE

First Reading Numbers 21:4-9 Readings

If anyone was bitten by a serpent, 

he looked up at the bronze serpent and lived

The Israelites left Mount Hor by the road to the Sea of Suph, to skirt the land of Edom. On the way 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. Lectures

Responsorial Psalm: O Lord, listen to my prayer and let my cry for help reach you

Gospel John 8 :21-30 

When you have lifted up the Son of Man then you will know that I am He

Jesus said to the Pharisees: ‘I am going away; you will look for me and you will die in your sin. Where I am going, you cannot come.’

The Jews said to one another, ‘Will he kill himself? Is that what he means by saying, “Where I am going, you cannot come”?’

Jesus went on: ‘You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. I have told you already: You will die in your sins. Yes, if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.’

So they said to him, ‘Who are you?’ Jesus answered: ‘What I have told you from the outset. About you I have much to say and much to condemn; but the one who sent me is truthful, and what I have learnt from him I declare to the world.’

 They failed to understand that he was talking to them about the Father.  Reflections

 So Jesus said: ‘When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He and that I do nothing of myself: what the Father has taught me is what I preach; he who sent me is with me, and has not left me to myself, for I always do what pleases him.’

 As he was saying this, many came to believe in him.

My Father, my God help me understand the depth of Christ's Love for me. May I appreciate your loving kindness over me and over all your creatures. Father sometimes my heart is closed I do not understand, help me Father, open my heart. Come Holy Spirit, instruct me, enlighten me, breath on me for I do not want to die in ignorance of God's Word, ignorance of Christ or die in sin.  Save me Lord Jesus Christ my Saviour. 

Jesus I trust in you. Virgin Mary pray for me. Saint Joseph pray for me. God's Holy Angels pray for me. My Angel Guardian pray for me. Protect me. Be my guide and guard.

Your Birthday Saint. Saint Vincent Ferrer, Priest, may he pray for you as you celebrate your birthday.

Pray the Holy Rosary: Blessed Virgin Mary pray for us.