LOOK UP WITH FAITH TO THE CRUCIFIED JESUS AND LIVE

⏰Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Lent (20 March 2018)

????Num 21:4-9; Ps 102:1-2, 15-17, 18-20 (R.v.1); John 8:21-30

My dear, the Cross is a very important part of our Christian faith. The cross is the symbol of suffering in the life of Jesus and we cannot fully know Jesus without the cross.

In his priestly prayer (John 17), Jesus informed us that eternal life is gained by the knowledge of the one true God and his only Son, Jesus (John 17:3). Earlier, he did refer to his being lifted up on the cross as a moment of revelation of his true identity (John 8:28).

Note that that true identity is one which he shares with God. That is why in John 8:21-29, there is a deliberate us of “I AM” in talking about Jesus. Remember that God revealed his name to Moses as “I AM” (Exod 3:14).

Hence, Jesus shares the same identity with God. So a rejection of Jesus is a rejection of God, and that means death (cf. John 8:21, 24). More so, nobody can accept Jesus while rejecting his cross.

Do you believe in the Cross? It is on the Cross that Jesus declared you free when he said, “It is finished” (John 19:30). So looking up to the Cross does not mean remaining in suffering and dying. In fact, it means living (cf. John 3:14).

In the desert, the people of Israel looked upon the bronze fiery serpent and lived. It was not the serpent that healed them but their faith that what God said would happen. All that is required of us is having faith in the crucified Jesus and following him faithfully.

As we do so, may Jesus help us carry the crosses that weigh us down in our lives and grant us a share in eternal life which he offers to all who believe in him. Amen.

Have a great and fulfilling day. Peace be with you.