Tuesday Lenten Weekday March 31

O Lord, hear my prayer, and let my cry come to you.--Psalm 102:2

Mass readings:

Numbers 21:4-9 / John 8:21-30

Looking to the Cross

I once watched a man who was allergic to eggs have a severe reaction. In no time at all he collapsed on the floor, near to death. A quick-thinking friend grabbed a syringe of adrenaline and injected it. His recovery was almost miraculous. Within minutes his symptoms were starting to disappear and he began to look normal.

The Jews in the desert witnessed just such a phenomenon when the serpents sent by God caused so many of them to die. The bronze serpent was lifted up in the desert and those who had been bitten merely had to look at it to be cured -- instantly. I have been bitten by sin, but I don't have to die. I merely have to look at Jesus, the Divine Physician, on the cross and He will heal me through His Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation.

Lord, when I have sinned, remind

me to raise my eyes to Your cross.