1ST READING
The
cross is a symbol of salvation for all Catholics. We look at the cross
and we are reminded that this is the result of our sin. God has chosen
to redeem us through this most horrific means of suffering. It says a
great deal about His deep love for us, in that this is the extent to
which Jesus was willing to go in order to have our sins taken away. As
we reflect upon this image of our salvation today, let us remember the
price that has been paid so that we might have new life.
Numbers 21:4-9
4 With their patience worn out by the journey, 5 the
people complained against God and Moses, “Why have you brought us up
from Egypt to die in this desert, where there is no food or water? We
are disgusted with this wretched food!” 6 In punishment the Lord sent among the people seraph serpents, which bit the people so that many of them died. 7 Then the people came to Moses and said, “We have sinned
in complaining against the Lord and you. Pray the Lord to take the serpents from us.” So Moses prayed for the people, 8 and the Lord said to Moses, “Make a saraph and mount it on a pole, and if any who has been bitten looks at it, they will live.” 9 Moses
accordingly made a bronze serpent and mounted it on a pole, and
whenever anyone who had been bitten by a serpent looked at the bronze
serpent, he lived.
P S A L M
Psalm 78:1-2, 34-35, 36-37, 38
R: Do not forget the works of the Lord!
1 Hearken, my people, to my teaching; incline your ears to the words of my mouth. 2 I will open my mouth in a parable, I will utter mysteries from of old. (R) 34 While he slew them they sought him and inquired after God again, 35 remembering that God was their rock and the Most High God, their redeemer. (R) 36 But they flattered him with their mouths and lied to him with their tongues, 37 though their hearts were not steadfast toward him, nor were they faithful to his covenant. (R) 38 But
he, being merciful, forgave their sin and destroyed them not; often he
turned back his anger and let none of his wrath be roused. (R)
2ND READING
Paul
knows the central role of the cross in our faith. He knows it so well
because it took something as great as Jesus’ death on the cross to
redeem us. Let us spend some time today reflecting upon some of the
aspects of this text. They will help us understand the meaning not just
of suffering and its redemptive value, but also where love leads us.
Philippians 2:6-11
6 Brothers and sisters: Christ Jesus, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. 7 Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, 8 he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. 9 Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
GOSPEL
The
Father sent Jesus. I tend to believe that Jesus’ death on the cross was
as hard for the Father as it was for Jesus. A parent will do everything
possible to protect his child from any form of suffering. How much
truer would this be for God the Father? Let us not forget the agony of
the Father as He gazed upon His dead Son on the cross.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you, because by your Cross you have redeemed the world.
John 3:13-17
13 Jesus said to Nicodemus: “No one has gone up to heaven except the one who has come down from heaven, the Son of Man. 14 And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.” 16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have
eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.
think: Let us not forget the agony of the Father as He gazed upon His dead Son on the cross.
T O D A Y’S BLESSING LIST
Thank You Lord for: __________________
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God’s special verse/thought for me today_
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READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Psalm 101-105
SABBATH PAUSE
My weekly time with God
THANK YOU LIST
Things to be grateful for from the past week
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SPECIAL NEEDS
Things to ask God for in the coming week
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HIDDEN TREASURE
Most important word God told me this week
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