Needing to be Saved

Today's first reading, Numbers 21: 4-9, the Israelites are angry about having been brought out into the desert where food and water are scarce.  In their anger, the people complain against Moses and God: "Why have you brought us up from Egypt to die in this desert, where there is no food or water? We are disgusted with this wretched food! In punishment the Lord sent among the people saraph serpents, which bit the people so that many of them died".

As we reflect upon this passage, let us note that the people admit their sinful behavior and ask Moses to intercede for them.  God instructs Moses to make a saraph and mount it on a pole. Anyone who has been bitten and looks at this mounted saraph will live.  This obviously reminds us of what God asks of us as well; namely, that we, too, acknowledge and/or admit our sinful behaviors to others, ask forgiveness of others and look to Jesus upon the cross for healing.

Upon further reflection, I am challenged to look at how we identify with this Scripture passage. Complaining against God and others is a common human experience--evil spirits delight in our choosing to complain. When we enter a complaining mode, we set ourselves up to sink deeper and deeper into a rut of discontent!  However, if, on the other hand, we follow the lead of good spirits and choose an attitude of gratitude, look for ways to resolve whatever the problem is, and accept our responsibility to do so, we take power away from spirits that wants us to be divisive.

May you and I become "Moses" in the world of our day and also follow the example of the Israelites in acknowledging our sinful behaviors, repenting of such and looking, not to a mounted saraph but to Jesus upon the cross to save us!