It is quite likely that sometimes we forget how dramatic and powerful the image of the cross is. During Passiontide, the last two weeks of Lent, it is traditional for all crucifixes and other religious images to be covered with veils until Good Friday. During this period when we can't look at images of our suffering Lord, it seems appropriate to think of other images which might still point to the symbolism of the cross.
In today's reading we hear about the Israelites complaining in the wilderness and of the fiery serpents who went among them as punishment. Realising they have sinned, they ask Moses to pray to the Lord to take the serpents away. The Lord responds by telling Moses to make a fiery serpent and set it on a pole, so that everyone who is bitten can look at the bronze serpent and live. It is a powerful reversal of roles. What was once seen as a great enemy becomes the source of salvation. When we are living sinful lives, God can be seen as an enemy and this sorry state of affairs is only possible because human nature has been poisoned. The Israelites needed a striking image to bring them back to their senses, a reminder that they were sinners and dependent on God's loving mercy.
An awareness of our sinfulness can be discouraging and depressing, but it's not something we can just ignore. Jesus reminds us that sin can be deadly. We need healing and Jesus is our healer. All we have to do is come to Him with an open heart and confess our sins. Although this may sound daunting, what is asked of us is relatively small in comparison to all that Jesus has done for us.
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