Parish of St. Edward the Confessor Daily Lenten/Easter Reflections


lent
March 11, 2008

By

Michael Paley


lent

Reading 1
Psalm
Gospel

Text of Reflection:  
March 11, 2008

The first reading begins with a lament the children of Israel often recite while journeying to the Promised Land.  "Why have you brought us up from Egypt to die in the desert where there is no food or water?"

I often think God wanted the people to ask for help and trust in His provision while at the same time being struck with awe by the power and majesty with which He was able to supply their needs.  However, these descendants of Jacob appeared to never pray with reverence and expectation for their deliverance.  They always whined and complained that they would not be saved from the harshness of the desert.

The LORD often was angry with His chosen people for this lack of trust and belief.  In this instance, saraph serpents were dispatched to bite the people and many died.  Moses prayed and was instructed to make a bronze serpent then mount it on a pole so an afflicted person who looked upon it would be saved.

A way of approaching the LORD is exemplified in the Responsorial Psalm; that is, asking God to incline His ear and give us an answer.  The Psalmist acknowledges the LORD's power and majesty while appreciating that God regards the destitute and does not despise their prayer.  Not only this, but the LORD hears their groaning and releases those doomed to die.  This is in contrast to the cry of those in the desert.

The Gospel is from a portion of the book of John that begins with Jesus saying, "I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

In today's reading, Jesus tells the Pharisees that they will look for him.  But if they do not believe he is God, they will die in their sin.  This appears to be similar to their ancestors in the desert who died due to their lack of belief in the LORD's saving power.

When Jesus was lifted up on the cross, many did come to realize he was the Messiah.  They received "the light of life" and were healed.  Just as those who looked upon the serpent in the desert.