Moses and the Bronze Serpent

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Easter Season : Second Week:  Tuesday*

*Gospel :  Jn 3:14-15*

*First Reading : Acts 4:32-37*

*Responsorial Psalm : 93:1ab, 1cd-2, 5*

*Moses and the Bronze Serpent*

*1) The Original Event: The Bronze Serpent*

In the Book of Numbers (21:4–9), the Israelites complain against God during their journey. 

As a consequence, poisonous serpents afflict them. When they repent, God instructs Moses to make a bronze serpent and lift it up on a pole.

Anyone who looked at it in faith was healed.

Key insight: The very thing that caused death (serpent) becomes a means of healing when lifted up by God.

*2) Why John Mentions It*

In John 3:14, Jesus Christ says: *“Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up…”*

Here, John connects:

The bronze serpent → with Jesus on the Cross

The lifting up → both crucifixion and glorification

The serpent symbolized sin and death

Jesus takes upon Himself sin and death

By being “lifted up” (on the Cross), He becomes the source of healing and salvation

3) Deep Spiritual Meaning*

*A) God Heals Through What Wounds*

The Israelites were bitten by serpents → healed by looking at a serpent

Humanity is wounded by sin → healed by looking at Christ crucified

God transforms evil into grace

*B) The Power of Looking in Faith*

The people were not healed by medicine, but by trusting and looking

In the same way: We are healed not just by effort. But by turning our gaze toward Christ

*C) “Lifting Up” = Cross + Glory*

In John’s Gospel, “lifting up” has a double meaning:

Physical lifting (Crucifixion)

Spiritual lifting (Glorification)

The Cross is not defeat—it is victory and love revealed

*4) Relevance to Our Life Today*

*A) Facing Our Sin Honestly*

Like the Israelites, we often: Complain, Doubt God, Fall into repeated sins

The “serpents” today can be:  Anger, Addiction, Pride, Jealousy

Reflection: Healing begins when we acknowledge the “bite.”

*B ) Where Do We Look for Healing?*

Many today look for healing in: Distractions, Technology, Power or pleasure

But Jesus invites us:  *“Look at Me on the Cross.”*

Do I turn to Christ first—or to temporary solutions?

*C) The Cross as Our Daily Hope*

When we suffer: Failure, Illness, Rejection

The Cross reminds us:

God does not remove suffering always—but transforms it.

*C) Faith is an Act of Trust*

The Israelites had to look up—a simple but profound act.

Today:  Prayer, Eucharist, and Silence before God are ways of “looking at Christ.”

*5) A Simple Reflection for Prayer*

What are the “serpents” biting me today?

Am I avoiding the Cross—or embracing it?

Do I believe that Jesus can transform my wounds?

*6) A Short Spiritual Thought*

“The serpent was lifted up so that the wounded might live.

Christ is lifted up so that the broken may be saved.

What we must do is simple—but not easy: Look at Him… and trust.

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*