LENTEN DIGEST with Fada PIUSRALPH

Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Lent

Table of the Word
First Reading: Numbers 21:4–9
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 102:2–3, 16–18, 19–21
Verse before the Gospel: The seed is the word of God, and the sower is Christ; all who find him will abide for ever.
Gospel: John 8:21–30

Theme: Looking Up to Be Saved.

Reflection
The Israelites, weary and rebellious, speak against God and Moses. As a consequence, serpents afflict them, but healing comes in an unexpected way: by looking upon the bronze serpent lifted up.

In the Gospel, Jesus reveals the deeper meaning of this sign:
“When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will realize that I AM.” (John  8:28)
The Cross becomes the place of salvation. What seems like defeat becomes victory. What appears as suffering becomes healing.

Lent invites us to “look up” to fix our gaze on Christ crucified, not on our fears, sins, or struggles. True healing begins when we turn our eyes to Him. Therefore, in our life challenging situations let our gaze be upon the wood of the Cross the sumbol pf our salvation.
Peace be with you!

Prayer
Grant us, we pray, O Lord, perseverance in obeying your will, that in our days the people dedicated to your service may grow in both merit and number. Through our Lord our Lord Jesus Christ your Son who lives and reigns forever and ever.  Amen

Thought for the Day
“Fix your eyes on the Crucified, and you will understand how much God loves you.”
— St. Teresa of Avila

Lenten Commitment
Today, I will:
Spend time in silent prayer before the Crucifix.
Offer up a personal struggle or suffering in union with Christ.