First Reading - Numbers 21:4-9
Second Reading - Philippians 2:6-11
Gospel - John 3:13-17
In the first reading, the Israelites, weary in the desert, fall into complaint and despair. Their hearts lose sight of God’s providence, and they are bitten by serpents — a painful reminder of how sin poisons our lives. But God does not abandon them. Through the bronze serpent lifted by Moses, those who looked with faith were healed. God shows that even in their failures, His desire is to save, to restore, and to bring life.
Paul, in the second reading, opens to us the mind of Christ. Though He was God, He emptied Himself, becoming one of us, embracing humility, and accepting even death on a cross. And because of His obedience, He is exalted above every name. This is the great paradox of our faith: true greatness is found not in power or pride, but in humility, love, and self-giving.
The Gospel reveals the depth of this truth in one of the most powerful lines of Scripture: “God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may not perish but may have eternal life.” Here lies our hope. The Cross is not a sign of condemnation but of God’s relentless love. It is the proof that no darkness is stronger than His light, no sin greater than His mercy, no failure final when we turn back to Him.
Dear friends, when we lift our eyes to the Cross, we are reminded that God’s love is stronger than every trial we face. Whatever burden you carry, whatever struggles weigh you down, do not let despair have the last word. Look to the Cross, and there you will find healing, courage, and strength to move forward.
Let us walk away today with renewed hearts — determined not to fear the crosses in our lives but to embrace them with faith, knowing that God is with us. May we live as witnesses of His love, sharing with others the hope that springs from the Cross, the hope that never dies.
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