Jesus carries Cross—Above image use is licensed through AdobeStock.
What a blessing and joy to serve as your pastor. As we grow older, we need to be honest about what we can and cannot do for the good of those we care for and love. True love means to love and serve like Jesus. I praise God and thank everyone, especially our deacons, parish staff, ministry leaders, and all who collaborate with me in “building a family of faith in Jesus Christ through Catholic worship, formation, and charity.”
The Good News in today’s gospel is that God initiated his unconditional love and mercy while we were still sinners. If we are willing to be merciful to others, our weakness can become God’s strength. Cyril of Alexandria explains the spiritual meaning of the bronze serpent, which pointsto the saving work of Jesus Christ:
“This story is a type of the whole mystery of the sin, which was devouring the whole race on the earth... biting the Soul of man and infusing it with the venom of wickedness. There is no way that we could have escaped being conquered by it except by the relief
that comes only from heaven. The Word of God then Giver of unending salvation to those who comprehend the divine doctrines and gaze on him with steadfast on the Cross so that none could fail to see him.”
God has made his peace with us.Have you made your peace with God? Are you ready to forgive and to make peace with your neighbor as God has made peace with you?
Pray: “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love. Where there is injury, let me sow pardon. Where there is doubt, let me sow faith. Where there is despair, let me give hope. Where there is darkness, let me give light. Where there is sadness, let me give joy.“ (The Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi)