Homily For Tuesday Fifth Week of Lent Year C, 8th April 2025

 

Readings: Num.21:4-9; Ps. 102; John:8:21-30

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

HOW DO YOU FEEL WHEN YOU REFLECT ON THE CROSS OF CHRIST?

The symbol of the cross has become the universal image of Christian belief, an instrument of salvation which often appears in Christian artworks. This is because countless generations of artists have turned it into a thing of beauty to be carried in procession or worn as jewellery and other religious activities.

But, the cross, in the eyes of early Christians, had no beauty; it was a sign of sorrow, a symbol of courage, an expression of faith which stood outside the city walls, decorated only with decaying human bodies, as a threat to anyone who believes in Jesus.

However, this ugly event has turned into a glorious act? Which shows the power of God over humanity. Telling us that God is the source of victory, He has the power to turn an ugly situation into a glorious one.

This is evident in our first reading today, where we heard of the rebellion of Israel against God and their lack of gratitude and appreciation for all that God had done for them. The people had repeatedly grumbled and disobeyed the Lord, spurning his love, committing all sorts of sins and betraying God for pagan idols.

At this God sent fiery serpents among the people; their bite brought death to many in Israel. Then, they cried to Moses, confessing that they had sinned against God. So Moses interceded and made a fiery serpent and put it on a standard. So, if anyone is bitten and looks at it, will live.

That's why in our Gospel today, Jesus is reminding us yet again how sin leads to death and how he is going to die, as he has repeatedly mentioned to his disciples his upcoming passion and death. He mentioned how he would suffer and die and be lifted up on the Cross for the salvation of humanity, pointing out the true reality of what had happened with Moses and the Israelites.

The truth is that God revealed his love, his greatest glory, when his Son was lifted up on the cross, for there, the victory of our salvation was achieved, and at the Cross, Jesus told us everything and solved all our difficult problems.

Dear friends, as we struggle with the ugly situation in our lives, societies and the world at large caused by sin and human frailty, thereby leading to the death of many people and the restriction of human movement and interaction, let us deeply look at the Cross of Christ, what do we see? How do we feel about the Cross? What does the Cross represent in our life?

Do we feel the love of Jesus? Can we perceive the expensive price of our salvation? As we reflect on these, let us return to God, for it is time to let go of our sinful ways of life. But what is keeping us from returning to God? Today, we are called not to die in our sins; rather, we should look up to the Cross of Christ and find the strength and mercy of God.

LET US PRAY: Lord God, your Son paid the price of our salvation on the cross and saved us from sin and death. As we resolve to embrace his mercy, may he change all the ugly situations in the world, societies and our families. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. It's a beautiful day, so cheer up, because God cares about you personally.