Story from the Old Testament this week: The Israelites had been freed from slavery in Egypt through a series of miraculous plagues that God set up on their Egyptian captors, and then they were saved from re-capture by the parting of the Red Sea as they made their escape. Freedom was sweet, yet they were still in the wilderness without the comforts and resources of Egypt. They complained about the conditions to their leader Moses and to God. At one point, after they “spoke against God and against Moses,” God sent poisonous serpents among them and many people died from snakebite. When they repented and asked Moses for help, he asked God to take away the serpents. God had Moses fashion a bronze serpent and set it on a pole. When the people who had been bitten looked on the bronze serpent, they were healed. (Numbers 21:4-9)
This week’s Gospel Story: Jesus is talking with Nicodemus, an educated religious leader in this week’s gospel. Initially there is a dialogue where Nicodemus asks deep and difficult questions. These verses are later in the conversation. It is a little monologue where Jesus talks about how very much God loves the world; so much that Jesus came to earth. He talks about light and darkness, about human failings and brokenness. We also find one of the most well-known verses from the gospels. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes may not perish but may have eternal life.” The next verse is much less known, but very much a part of the point Jesus is making. “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” (John 3:14-21)
A story from our own lives: The past year has been a difficult one for everyone. Widespread illness and death, ongoing uncertainty and fear, isolation and loss on so many levels. Yet, through it all, there have been bright spots and “silver linings.” This pandemic is only the most recent catastrophe that has led humans to wonder if this is God’s punishment. I’ve heard the same speculation about illnesses from AIDS to acne, economic downturns, natural disasters and storms, and terrible accidents. Humans sometimes seem to find it easier to think that God brings what is most painful in life than to accept that sorrow and suffering are random and often happen without cause. Yet, God does not bring suffering to the world. God has been present in our lives every step of the way this past year, bringing hope, light, courage, and healing in the most difficult moments.
God brought healing to the impatient and complaining Israelites in the wilderness. God’s love for the world sent Jesus to show us another way to live with each other. Through his death and resurrection, we and all creation are transformed. God continues to bring healing to the world, even today. It is the common thread. Into difficult and awful situations, God brings hope. In the face of suffering and death, God has brings healing. Into deep, frightening nights, God brings light.
May we see the hope, healing and light God brings to us each day.
Peace,