This Sunday, Jesus refers to the only Exodus miracle linked with a condition. The manna, the quails and the water were given free of charge. But if they were bitten by a snake, the Hebrews had a choice. If they looked at the wound on their heel, they died. If they stood up to look at the bronze serpent lifted up by Moses, they were choosing life. We are faced with the same choice as the Hebrews of the Exodus.
“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.” (John 3:16) If we close in on ourselves by contemplating our wounds, we choose death. If we stand up to contemplate Jesus on the cross, we choose life. Eternal life. May the light of Christ we received at baptism guide our steps on the path of truth.
“God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved.” (Eph.2:4-5) Let us welcome grace. Let us choose life. Let us raise our eyes to Jesus, the path of truth that guides us towards the light of life.
+ Yvan Mathieu
Auxiliary Bishop
