Dear beloved parishioners,

Today, on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, the readings clearly highlight the connection between the bronze serpent in the desert and the Cross of Christ. Jesus explains to Nicodemus that, just as the serpent was lifted up for the healing of the Israelites from the bites of the serpents, so too must the Son of Man (Jesus) be raised up on the Cross for the healing of His people from the affliction of sin.

The story of the bronze serpent in the Old Testament details how the Israelites complained about leaving Egypt during their journey through the wilderness. In response, God sent deadly serpents that bit them, causing many to die. However, when the Israelites repented, God instructed Moses to create a bronze serpent; those who looked upon it were healed.

Later, the bronze serpent became an idol and was destroyed by King Hezekiah, as mentioned in 2 Kings 18:4. This incident puzzled the Jews since making graven images was forbidden. Rabbis explained that it was not the serpent itself that provided healing, but rather the faith in God, who commanded Moses to make it. The bronze serpent served as a symbol to redirect their thoughts to God, leading to their healing.

Jesus used that narrative to illustrate to his disciples the significance of the Cross and what it was destined to achieve through Him. He explained that the Son of Man must be lifted up; and when individuals focus their thoughts on Him and place their faith in Him, they too will obtain eternal life. Let us begin by examining the first part of Jesus's statement, "the Son of Man must be lifted up."

According to biblical exegesis, the verb to "lift up" is used of Jesus in two senses. It is used of His being lifted upon the Cross; and it is used of his being lifted into glory at the time of his ascension into heaven. Therefore, there was a double lifting up in Jesus' life: the lifting on the Cross and the lifting into glory. And the two are inextricably connected. The one could not have happened without the other. For Jesus, the Cross was the way to glory; had he refused it, had he evaded it, had he taken steps to escape it, as he might so easily have done, there would have been no glory for him (Barclay, 2017).

In examining these scriptural passages, we can draw important lessons applicable to our own lives. Each of us faces a choice: we can either take the easier path and avoid the challenges and sacrifices that come with our faith, or we can embrace the cross that every Christian is called to bear. It's crucial to recognize the profound truth behind this choice. If we opt for the more comfortable road, we risk missing out on the glory that comes from steadfastness and commitment.

It is a fundamental principle of life that without enduring the hardships of the cross, we cannot hope to receive the reward of the crown. This realization calls us to reflect on the significance of our struggles and to understand that it is often through our trials that we are refined and ultimately rewarded. The journey may be difficult, but it is in these moments of perseverance that we truly embody our faith and prepare to receive the blessings that follow.

In Swahili, there is a saying: "One has to bend in order to get a precious item from under the bed." This reflects a principle of life: it is uncommon to drop out of school and expect to land onto a good job. In other words, success does not come easily; you have to toil and moil to achieve it.

The latter part of Jesus's statement, "So that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life," serves as an invitation to approach the crucified Jesus with trust and faith. It encourages us to reflect on our conscience and consider where we may have fallen short in our love for God and our neighbors. We should take the time to examine our personal struggles and seek God's healing in those areas. If necessary, we can turn to the Sacrament of Reconciliation to fully experience His healing mercy. Additionally, by gazing upon a Crucifix, we are reminded of the agony Jesus endured for our redemption, firmly believing that within the profound mystery of the cross lies forgiveness for repentant sinners, the resurrection of the justified, and the promise of everlasting life.

In God's service and yours,

Fr. Thomas Kagumisa

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