READINGS:
1 R : Num 21 :4 - 9.
Ps 101 : 2 - 3, 16 - 18, 19 - 21.
Gos : Jn 8 :21 - 30.
' BEING LIFTED UP ' IS A UNIQUE CONCEPT EMPLOYED IN BOTH READINGS TODAY.
IN THE FIRST READING MOSES IS ASKED TO ERECT A BRONZE SERPENT IN ORDER TO SAVE PEOPLE WHO WERE BITTEN BY POISONOUS REPTILES.
THIS IS APPLIED TO JESUS' CROSS IN THE GOSPEL.
JESUS SAYS THAT WHEN HE IS BEING ' LIFTED UP ' THE WORLD WOULD KNOW THAT HE IS " WHO IS "
LIFTING UP IN NORMAL PARLANCE IS ALSO A SIGN OF VICTORY.
CROSS IS GOD'S VICTORY.
