In today’s first reading we are reminded how the Israelites complain and speak against God. They were not complaining about the journey they were taking rather about being dissatisfied of how God was providing for their basic needs. We too are on a long journey specially being forced to live and move about with many restrictions. Our freedom to meet, move about with each other has been limited and we too are starting to get miserable and unhappy.

The Bible tells us that God took care of every basic need of these people just as He is and has been doing ours. Yet we long for things that we feel are better and seems good for us and we shift our focus and gaze from Him to the world. Just like then, we too are struck down by different kind of serpents that are identified as sickness, depression, etc. The church has given us seasons filled with grace, to make us realize our sinfulness and help us to hear what God says. God in His great love and mercy tells us to refocus our attention to the cross for healing and salvation. Truly how many of us have heard His calling and has shifted our gaze to the cross. We still have time; it is still not too late.
The psalm assigned for today tells us that we should cry out to the Lord always, we are imprisoned by our addictions, bondage to sinful living. We may not realize but things that displeases the Lord has become habits in our hearts. Gossip, judgement, deceit, lies, mockery, undermining people, the list can go on. During this lent let’s cry out to the Lord for help & the psalmist assures us that He hears and also answers our prayer.

In the Gospel proclamation our Lord Jesus further assures to look to Him the one who willingly took our position on the cross and was lifted high to be looked upon. We have all seen and often gaze at the crucifix in the church. I am also confident that you also have a cross hung in your house or even in the room where you rest. We have taken it for granted and don’t even notice it. Only if we take time to listen to God’s word to gaze upon the one nailed to the cross & cry out to Him, we will be delivered to celebrate life in its fullness.

Prayer: Abba Father, in your great love & mercy give us the grace to gaze upon your son hung on the cross and seek your mercy. Amen!