...and the Son of Man must be lifted up
as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert,
so that everyone who believes may have eternal life.
(John 3:14,15)

John 3:13-17

When Moses and the people wandered in the wilderness, they grumbled constantly about the many challenges they encountered.  The issue referred to here is the venomous snakes that bit and killed the people. The solution of looking up at an image of a brass snake on the top of a stick seems strange. The very thing that killed was that which healed. That is still so often true. Think of antivenoms, made from the venom of a snake, or vaccines from the virus or bacteria that cause the suffering. The poison is also the antidote. How often does the humiliation or failure one endures bring the change needed or the insight that leads to a new life? 

Let us look at Jesus, on the cross, in conversation with the ‘thief’, who acknowledged he was guilty of the accusations for which he was crucified. In Jesus’ agony, he heard the man and responded to his request to “remember me.” “Jesus answered him, ‘In truth, I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise’”. Being crucified beside Jesus for his criminal activity led the ‘thief’ to life with God “in paradise”.(Luke 23:43) Some of our problems and difficulties can do this, too. They lead to the transformation to which we are called. However, we do not seek suffering; there is no need; as we know, life brings that naturally.

The eternal life to which we are invited is life in union with our Trinitarian God. Jesus draws us through his resurrection to that union. Christ is risen and so are we! Jesus has already done the saving, and so union can begin now. Will I live as a resurrection person, beloved, loving my neighbour, and humbly expressing my faith as I look at Jesus raised on the cross? Do I think that Jesus responds to me just as he does to the thief, when he comes to believe beside Jesus on the cross, “In truth, I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise”? (Luke 23:43)

Let me gaze at Jesus on the cross and have a conversation about my difficulties. Let me be quiet enough to hear what Jesus says.

Can I recall experiencing something traumatic, but which ultimately led to something good?

Do I value the invitation to divine union? Do I seek ‘paradise’?

Reflections by Kath Knowles

Gracious Jesus,
You offer so many gifts, so much understanding and compassion. May I, in the quiet of conversation with you, come to you with confidence in your listening ear and outstretched arms, and open my heart to deep belief in your eternal, unconditional love.
Amen.

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