When select high feasts land on a Sunday, we celebrate the feast as we do today – September 14 -with the Feast of the Exultation of the Cross.

In today’s Gospel (John 3:13-17), Jesus references the Old Testament account that we also happened to have heard in today’s First Reading (Numbers 21:4-9).

Our blessed Lord Jesus states, “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life” (vv. 14-15).

Jesus points back to the sign of the fiery serpent held aloft – lifted high – in the wilderness as something that’s supposed to lead us deeper into the mystery of what the Son of Man – a Messianic title – is going to do whenever He is lifted up.

1. Just as the bronze image of the fiery serpent was lifted up on a pole, so also Christ Jesus (the Son of Man) will be lifted up on the cross.
2. Just as the instruction was given to look upon the image of the fiery serpent, now (with Jesus) comes the instruction that we must not only see but also believe in the Son of Man (that is, believe in Jesus Christ as our Lord, Savior Messiah and King!).
3. Just as gazing upon the bronze image of the fiery serpent restored natural life (cured those afflicted), so now Christ gives eternal life to those who see Him Lord and Savior and believe in Him.

Today’s Gospel points ahead to Jesus’ Passion. Jesus boldly declares that His crucifixion will be no mere execution of one more Jew but the actual fulfillment of the Old Testament “sign” – the bronze image of the fiery serpent held aloft for all to see and be healed. That is, salvation is given to all who will dare to see the exalted Christ Crucified and believe in Him as our Savior.

We adore You O Christ and we praise You, because by Your Holy Cross, You have redeemed the world!