September 14, 2008, 24th Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Can I ask you to look at something familiar through different lenses, just to see what it might reveal when seen in a different light? First the background: The first reading is a strange one: the Israelites are exhausted and grumpy, and they “complain against God and Moses.” This tells us that they are, truly, at the end of their tether. They’ve exhausted all others to blame, and now they are going for God! And, so, the Text says: “The Lord sent among the people ‘seraph serpents.’” Now, in Hebrew that means “a serpent of fire!” Like the “tongues of flame,” these serpents of light, attack, and people start to get sick and die. Then Moses makes the bronze serpent and lifts it up for all to see. WHY? Polished bronze in the ancient world was used as a MIRROR! This “shows” them what they’re doing! They’re striking out, like serpents, at each other and killing each other with their words. This “MIRROR” allows them to see what they’re doing and stop it. Thus will healing come, and the depth of Shalom. Now we come to a Gospel reading where Christ says, “Just as Moses lifted up the serpent...so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever sees him might not perish but have eternal life.” Have you ever thought of Christ’s cross as a MIRROR? Showing us what we are doing to each other every day? Do you see the challenge this "lens" for viewing the Cross places on each of us? This Gospel is a plea to stop hurting each other for whatever reasons...just stop! And let the healing begin and the Shalom come. May we all know that healing and that peace. God bless.