March 28th

March 28, 2023
Tuesday of the 5 th week of Lent
Mrs. Cynthia Roman: School Librarian
Readings: Nm 21:4-9/Jn 8:21-30 (252)

The reading illustrates when the Hebrews followed Moses into the desert in
search of the Promised Land. On route, they complained to Moses about how horrible
the desert was and how Moses could have taken them without any water or food. The
food they ate was awful. They complained and argued amongst themselves causing it
displeasing to Moses and to God. In this 1st paragraph, I related it to how so often we
complain about the inconvenience we are in and feel like we shouldn’t have to endure
or suffer simply because we want to be gratified quickly. Because in our eyes we are not
wrong or feel like we are so much more deserving than what we are given. Why do we
react in such a manner? Do we forget whose sons and daughters we are? 
“So in punishment, the Lord sent among the people seraph serpents, to which bit the people
so that many of them died.” That is when the people went to Moses and said they had
sinned and wanted Moses to pray for them and ask for forgiveness. 
My interpretation is that when we realize we did something wrong, we want to
be vindicated quickly making something right again. We reach out when something bad
happens to us or we are experiencing the trials that sometimes consume us and take us
in a tailspin of so many emotions, good and bad. It takes us to a place where we feel
helpless and hopeless. But yet we are always forgiven because God is so good. All we
have to do is reach for him and he doesn't leave us.
In the last portion of the reading, God tells Moses “to make a seraph and mount
it on a pole and whoever looks at it after being bitten will live.” Moses does what the
Lord commanded. Those who were bitten looked at the seraph pole and lived. I believe
this can be explained with the following: those who believe in our Father God will live
in eternity forever. Just like he promised.  
Will we not have to suffer or endure hardships? Of course, we will but how will
we cope? With the faith that is instilled in us. I believe that this takes time to manifest.
Through praying and talking to God. It doesn't just appear when you want. You must
submit everything that is heavy and too much to handle and ask our God that you need
him. He never leaves our side. Will you be able to survive your upcoming trials without
him? I believe with my heart that we are fortunate to understand the glory and his love
for us is so much more, especially during Lent. For every time you look at the cross, see
how Jesus died for us and our sins. As we look back on history, the parallels between
what our world is and the past is and has already been written for us.