Homily: Fifth Tuesday of Lent
Fifth Tuesday of Lent (Numbers 21:4-9) “Getting Rid of the Poison”
We many times wonder how the readings from the Old and New Testament fit together at Mass. But today we have a very clear connection. Jesus speaks of being lifted-up. The symbol of the serpent on the pole transcends time.
We see the serpent in the Garden of Eden at the beginning of time. The serpent is the prince of lies that speaks to Adam and Eve. The serpent uses his deceitful voice to convince Adam and Eve to distrust the plan of God. Before the serpent arrives in the garden our first parents were happy and secure. But the serpent convinces Adam and Eve that they needed something more than what God had given them. All this led to the fall.
The serpent reappears as the People of Israel wander through the desert. The people complain against Moses about the food they must eat. God has freed them from slavery. God has defeated the pursuing Egyptian army. The Lord has given food that has kept the people alive in the desert. Yet, they complain against Moses. The serpents that are slithering among the people prompt the people to complain and be dissatisfied even though God is taking them to the promised land.
We see the serpent at work again in the Gospel. The religious authorities plot to kill Jesus. He is aware of it. He says the treachery of those who plot against him will come to a head when he is lifted-up on the cross. We see how the serpent is at work throughout history.
We can see the serpent at work in the world today. Wherever discord is sown among God’s people we could say that the evil is at work. Wherever lies destroy what is good the serpent has reemerged. But is that the end of the story. No, that is not the end of the story. Jesus was lifted-up on the Cross, but he was also lifted out of the grave. He was in the end lifted-up to heaven where we say he sits at the right hand of God.
In the end sin and death will not prevail, but grace and life will. We see signs of goodness around us if we but look. When we see virtuous people stepping in to help in difficult situations, we realize that there is a lot more good in the world than bad. And our spirits are lifted-up. The question for all of us is can we support what is good rather than get dragged down by what is discouraging.
Reflection Questions:
- What polarizes our society right now? Is it truth or lies?
- If the truth does not separate people what is one truth I need to proclaim loudly?
Dear Parishioners,
Last Friday there was a fish fry at Alleman and there was a great turn out. This is good news for the high school. Thanks to all who are supporting Alleman.
This week there is a planning process going on that is looking at the future and examining such things as governance and administration of the high school and a lot of other issues. I will be participating in the Partners in Mission process. A lot of hard committee work has been done so far. Please pray in the days ahead that there many be a successful plan developed in this process so that Alleman might have a bright future.
May Our Lady of Peace pray for the people of Ukraine today.
Fr. Mark