Moses, tired from the people’s complaints, turns to the Lord for guidance and strength to deal with the headstrong people. God sends them serpents that cause deadly bites. For the pagans, the serpent was an ancient symbol of fertility for the soil. Among the many pagan rituals, serpent worship was common.
The bronze serpent points to a type of figure that we find in Jesus: His death on the cross. We see many similarities in this story and the cross of Jesus in the New Testament. First, just as Moses had the bronze serpent lifted on the pole, so, too would Jesus be lifted high on the Cross.
Second, just as the Israelites were to look at the serpent and then find healing, so too those who gaze upon Jesus crucified would find healing.
Third, faith needed to be expressed as the Israelites looked at the serpent for healing. So, too, we in faith look upon Jesus and find healing for the wounds of sin.
The very thing that caused death — the snake and its bite — was the very thing that would cure — the serpent on the bronze pole. The very thing that caused our death — sin — would be laid upon Jesus. He takes upon Himself the sin of the world in order that we will be healed.
This spirituality of gazing on Christ crucified became quite common in the early Church. Many spiritual writers used this as their topic for Gazing on Christ crucified would bring healing grace and strength of virtue. As those suffering gazed upon Christ, their burdens would become easy because the suffering is seen in the light of the suffering of Christ and thus became redemptive. St. John tells us that many would look upon the One they have pierced. This text was to be seen as fulfilled down through time immemorial as many have found strength in gazing upon the One who died for our sins. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL
Reflection Question:
Do I look with faith upon Jesus crucified for healing?
Lord, You died in love for me. As I gaze upon You on the cross, may I find healing, peace and mercy. Amen.
St. Allerius, pray for us.
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