“Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.”
John 3.14
Sunday’s gospel refers to Jesus’ crucifixion as a “lifting up.” Being lifted up condenses within a single verb the whole paschal mystery—Jesus’ crucifixion and death, his resurrection and return to God. Ironically, the lifting up to put Jesus to death has the opposite effect; it lifts him and us to new life—to life with God.
Jesus saves us by showing us how to love one another. We can listen to one another’s stories, share one another’s hurts, and lift one another’s spirits. Christians believe new life is possible. Easter happens many times a day in our listening, laughing, forgiving, sharing together. The risen Jesus lives and saves us in our love for one another.
How do you continue the love of God and God’s Son for the world?
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