SAINT VINCENT FERRER, PRIEST (OPTIONAL MEMORIAL)

When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will realize that I AM.

What do you see when you raise your eyes to a crucifix?

When the Israelites looked at the bronze serpent, they saw the ugliness of their own sin. They saw reflected back to them the corrosive effect of their complaining and distrust. Their griping had bitten them, and it was deadly.

When you behold Jesus on the cross, you might see your cowardice, your indifference, or your cruelty. You might feel saddened to see this innocent man wounded and disfigured by your sins.

But don’t stop there. Continue to gaze at the crucifix, and you’ll find more than the effects of your sin. Just as the Israelites realized when they lifted their eyes to the bronze serpent, you’ll see that punishment is not God’s final word. You’ll see the forgiveness and healing that he is offering his wayward people. What you see on this cross is God’s solution to our rebellion. God refuses to give up on us. That cross is God’s way of dealing decisively with our sinfulness.

Look closer, and you can see in the eyes of Jesus not only sadness but overwhelming love. You can see his arms outstretched in mercy toward you and uplifted in obedience toward his Father. You realize there is no limit to his compassion and forgiveness.

If you linger long enough, you’ll see something beyond punishment, suffering, and sin. Something even beyond forgiveness. As Jesus said, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will realize that I AM” (John 8:28). You’ll see that death is not his ultimate end. He will rise, and not only that, but he will raise you up with him. He will bring you into full union with the God who has loved you from before the dawn of creation.

Find a few moments this week to sit, stand, or kneel before a crucifix, whether it’s in a church or in your own prayer corner at home. Don’t worry about what to say. Just still your heart before Jesus and be there with him. Let him share with you his heartbreak and his overwhelming love.

“Jesus, crucified Lord, help me to grasp more deeply everything that you revealed on your cross.”

Numbers 21:4-9
Psalm 102: 2-3, 16-19, 19-21
John 8:21-30