Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Lent

"Lifted Up to Heal and to Save"
Numbers 21:4-9 | Psalm 102:2-3, 16-18, 19-21 | John 8:21-30



Greetings, brothers and sisters. Lent is the season where heaven whispers hope to earth’s weary hearts. It’s also that time when many of us start craving chocolate, zimba chips or even a proper spatlho — and we pretend that fasting isn’t bothering us. Hang in there — God is working.

You know it’s Lent when even the fridge feels offended because you keep opening it and walking away! 😄

In Numbers, the Israelites grow impatient during their journey. Their complaints lead to a plague of serpents. But God's solution is unexpected: a bronze serpent, lifted high, becomes the instrument of healing. It is not magic, but a call to obedience and faith — to look up and be saved.

In John’s Gospel, Jesus speaks of being “lifted up,” foretelling His crucifixion. He, too, becomes the healing sign — not a symbol but the Saviour Himself. When we look upon Christ lifted on the cross, we don’t just see suffering — we see mercy in motion, forgiveness for the world.

The Eucharist is our moment to look up — to see Christ truly present, offered for us. It’s the place where divine love meets human hunger and the broken are made whole.

Question for Reflection

Where am I looking when life gets hard?
Do I turn to Jesus, or to the complaints, the old habits, the distractions?

Daily Practical Application

🔹 Pause today when you feel overwhelmed.
🔹 Say, “Jesus, I look to You.”
🔹 Offer one act of kindness — it might be a call, a hug, or simply listening to someone’s struggle.

To the tired, the heartbroken, those facing injustice — the Lord hears your cry (Psalm 102). Lent reminds us that sorrow does not have the final word. When you feel ignored or invisible, remember: Jesus was lifted up for you.

What Can I Do During the Jubilee Year?

As a Pilgrim of Hope, choose one burden to leave at the cross this Lent.
Support a local cause. Volunteer at church. Plant a seed of hope in your community — however small.

🌱 Don’t let your past determine your altitude. Look up — healing begins where heaven meets faith.
You are not beyond saving. Not beyond healing. Not beyond purpose.

Whether you’re in Mamelodi or Waterkloof, Soshanguve or TlhalaMpya — the same Christ is lifted up for all of us. Our cries, our poverty, our politics — they all matter to God. We are never alone in our wilderness.

Inspiration Quote

💬 “When you feel like giving up, look up. That’s where your help comes from.”

Today, may we not harden our hearts. Let us look upon Christ, lifted in love, and find the healing our souls hunger for.

Lord Jesus, You were lifted up so we might rise again.
When the poison of bitterness or fear enters my life,
help me to look to You for healing.
Make me a sign of hope to others.
Amen.



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Image
Homily for the Feast of Saint James, Apostle   🌟 Theme: "Called to Share the Cup: Witness, Sacrifice, and Glory" Readings: First Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:7-15 Psalm: 126:1bc-2ab, 2cd-3, 4-5, 6 Gospel: Matthew 20:20-28 📍 Introduction  A priest was explaining to his catechism class that apostles were not superheroes but ordinary men with extraordinary missions. A little boy interrupted: “Father, if they weren’t superheroes, why did Jesus pick guys with names like James the Greater and James the Lesser? Was that like Batman and Robin?” The class laughed—and the priest chuckled too. “No, my child, it just meant that one was probably older or taller!” This reminds us that God uses ordinary people, not perfect or powerful ones, to do great things—people like James, whose feast we celebrate today. 📖 The Word of God 2 Corinthians 4:7-15 speaks of "treasures in jars of clay"—how the glorious message of the Gospel is carried by fragile, fallible human beings...
Read more
Image
  Pope Leo XIV: A New Chapter of Hope and Courage for the Church By Fr. Mathibela Sebothoma Photo: Deadline In a moment charged with quiet reverence and global anticipation, the white smoke rose over St. Peter’s Square—Habemus Papam. The conclave of cardinals has elected Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, O.S.A., as the 267th successor of Saint Peter. He has chosen the name Leo XIV , signaling both continuity with the Church’s past and a renewed commitment to mission in our complex and fractured world. Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, Pope Leo XIV is a son of the Americas—North and South. His life has been marked by a deep missionary spirit, intellectual depth, and a pastoral heart. Raised in a devout Catholic family of French-Canadian heritage, he entered the Order of St. Augustine in 1977, professed his first vows the following year, and was ordained a priest in 1982. Educated at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and later awarded a Doctorate in Canon L...
Read more
Image
Homily for Wednesday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time (Cycle II) : 📖 Readings: First Reading : Exodus 16:1-5, 9-15 — God provides manna and quail to feed His people in the wilderness. Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 78:18-19, 23-24, 25-26, 27-28 — “The Lord gave them bread from heaven.” Gospel : Matthew 13:1-9 — The Parable of the Sower. ✨ “God Provides — Will You Receive?” 👋 Introduction: Today God reminds us of something fundamental: He feeds His people. Whether in the desert or in the Gospel message, God’s care is constant. The real challenge is not whether God provides, but whether we are ready to receive, to trust, and to grow. 😂 Humorous Story: There is a funny story of a man who prayed: “Lord, please give me patience… and I need it RIGHT NOW!” That’s a little like us: we want quick solutions, instant signs, and easy answers. But God, in His wisdom, teaches us to trust His timing and to receive His Word daily, like manna—just enough for today. 📜 Exegesis ...
Read more