by Rev. Herbert Nichols

Yesterday we began to focus on the stress in relationships, in families, in parishes that festers from misunderstanding and judgementalism.

Years ago we heard about parents who disowned their children perhaps, because of a marriage that the parents did not approve of perhaps, because they young lovers came from different sides of the track or the river or the economic curve. Whatever reason, what a painful thing for parents and children when it is said: Out of my sight, you are no longer a child of mine.

So called fire and brim stone judgments are much rarely heard today. Just think how very terribly it would be if we heard the voice of God say: Out of my sight. You are no longer a child of mine. You did not listen to my son; you will surely die in your sins unless your faith is rekindled into action.

In the first reading from the Old Testament Numbers we find a strange incident that is very much like the light we spoke of yesterday. The journey to the Promised Land was not what the Israelites had expected. They hadn’t expected a sleigh ride, but neither had they had expected the hardships and the 40 years of travel through the desert, a wild and dangerous place.

The desert of Sinai is a breeding ground for "fiery" seraphs, not like red ants, but more like sewing seedless with a sting. It is also the home of venomous snakes, whose bite leaves a bright red inflammation at the point of contact. Hence they are known as fiery serpents.

When God withheld his special care in order to teach them the need of repentance; they were chastised and awoken to their fickleness; they were at the same time given the opportunity for hope and healing.

None of the doctors and no part of their natural immune system was able to help them. It was only by obedience to God’s word that they were healed.

It was only when they looked up at the bronze serpent which God had ordered Moses to lift up, and mew their former obedience to the covenant that they were healed. Of course, it was not the bronze serpent by itself that brought healing--any more than our medic alert bracelets or necklaces guarantee instant healing.

It was/is a facilitator to restore health and hope. In the gospel St. John sees this prototype which finds its fulfillment in the crucifixion: Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so shall the son of Man be lifted up that all who believe may have eternal life.

Today we are saved from sin and given strength for the journey by looking to Jesus saving death on the cross. Nothing else can save us except the power of the Jesus’ death and resurrection. In our journey of faith we discover inner healing not merely by looking, gazing but by embracing and teaching this truth.

We turn to the truth of Jesus because we want to live in eternal life with Him. That means as God’s children we are concerned to be free from mortal sin and avoid as far as possible even small offenses. Yes, small sins do count.