Readings: Numbers 21:4-9, Ps. 102:2-3,16-21, John 8:21-30
“And the people spoke against God and Moses, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we loathe this worthless food.” (Numbers 21:5)
- Our first reading today takes us back to our forefathers in the faith. God was leading them on a journey to the Promised Land. They saw the mighty deeds God did for them in the land of Egypt, mainly how he delivered them mightily from their pursuers when they were about to cross the Red Sea. They who once rejoiced exceedingly at the sight of manna had the effrontery to refer to it as “worthless food.”
- This story teaches us never to look down on ourselves or our circumstances. Always be grateful for the things God has given you. St. Paul says: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). If you cannot thank God for what he has given to you, at least thank Him for the troubles you don’t have.
- When we start complaining, we fall into the temptation of speaking against God like these Israelites. By complaining, we make God look like an irresponsible father who is either incapable or unwilling to give the best to His children. Jesus asked: “Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for bread, will give a stone? Or if the child asks for a fish, will you give a snake? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:9-11).
- You may not like your life at this moment, but trust that this is exactly what God wants for you right now. What you have now is the bread and fish you need. God knows what He is doing. Moreover, like the Israelites, do not forget that you are on a journey. You are not yet home, you cannot have everything you wish for now. Sometimes, we want to experience heaven on earth, but the truth is that there will always be something lacking (a cross to bear, some unresolved trouble, some headache) on this side of eternity; something to make us long for heaven. If the Israelites had all they wanted, would they have been motivated to continue the journey to the Promised Land?
- No matter how bad your situation seems, always have a positive attitude. Trust that God is giving you the best for now and that He is leading you somewhere. Good days bring memories, bad days teach lessons, worst days bring endurance. No matter how painful your experiences are, learn to look at the bright side. Could it be that God is letting you suffer to help those who are suffering worse things? Bitterness, ingratitude or speaking ill of God will only make things go from bad to worse. From not having good food to eat, the Israelites were now faced with fiery serpents. Have you noticed how you start your day complaining, only to watch things breaking down here and there? It is like a child who complained about not having shoes, only to see another child his age without legs.
- Our ancient ancestors soon realised their error and repented. They cried to Moses: “We have sinned…!” God pitied them and asked Moses to make a bronze serpent as a sign. A sign of what? Jesus reveals in today’s Gospel passage: “When you have lifted the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he.” (John 8:28). In other words, it was not the bronze serpent that healed them; instead, it was what the serpent represented – Jesus Christ. This story highlights the infinite mercy of God, who is ever ready to forgive us and alleviate our plight when we come to Him, just as the Prodigal Son did.
- Just as Moses did not break the first commandment by erecting the bronze serpent, we do nothing wrong by crafting religious items such as the crucifix. Do you think life is not treating you fairly? Are you feeling the bites of the fiery serpents of our age and time? Are you a victim of the serpents of insecurity, hunger, sickness, economic recession, bad government, man’s inhumanity to man and so on? Look up to Jesus on the Cross and pray sincerely with faith. Show Him your wounds and He will heal them completely.
- One might ask: “Why not pray directly to God? Do we need these sacramentals?” We always pray directly to God. Sacramentals do not act as intermediaries; instead, they help us focus on God. Take them away, and suddenly there is no difference between the church and an event centre. Even event centres contain artworks, decorations, and other items that evoke a range of emotions. If we didn’t need sacramentals, why did God instruct Moses to erect the bronze serpent?
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, increase our trust in your love and provision. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Tuesday of the 5th week of Lent, Liturgical Colour: Violet. Bible Study: Numbers 21:4-9, Ps. 102:2-3,16-21, John 8:21-30).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu