“In today’s reading, the people of Israel are on a difficult journey. They are tired, discouraged, and impatient. And so, they begin to complain against God and against Moses: “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in this desert?”
Because of their complaining and lack of trust, poisonous serpents come among them. Many are bitten. Many suffer. Many die.
But then something beautiful happens. The people recognize their sin. They repent. They cry out for help.
And God, in His mercy, provides a surprising remedy. He tells Moses: “Make a serpent and mount it on a pole, and whoever looks at it after being bitten will live.”
At first, this seems strange. How can looking at a bronze serpent bring healing? But this is the point: Healing comes not from the object—but from trusting in God.
Our complaints can poison us
The first lesson is simple and very real: A complaining heart can become a poisoned heart.
The people had already experienced God’s miracles: liberation from Egypt, the crossing of the Red Sea, manna from heaven. And yet, they complained.
How often are we like them? We forget God’s blessings. We focus on what we lack. We complain—about life, about people, even about God. And slowly, something poisons our hearts: negativity, bitterness, ingratitude.
The “serpents” today may not be visible, but they are real.
Repentance opens the Door to Mercy
When the people were bitten, they did something right. They said: “We have sinned.” They did not blame others. They did not make excuses. They admitted their fault. And because of that, God showed mercy.
My dear brothers and sisters, Lent is precisely this moment: to recognize our sins, to humble ourselves, to return to God. No matter how many times we fall, God is always ready to forgive.
Look up to be healed
God’s instruction was clear: “Whoever looks at it will live.”
They had to look up. Not down at their wounds. Not around in fear. But up—toward the sign God provided.
This is a powerful image of the Cross. Jesus Himself will say: “When I am lifted up, I will draw everyone to myself” (John 12:32).
The bronze serpent points to Christ crucified.
When we are wounded by sin, when we feel lost or broken— we are invited to look at Jesus on the Cross. Not just to see—but to trust. Because on the Cross: we see God’s love, we receive God’s mercy, and we find healing.
Conclusion
If today you feel tired, discouraged, or burdened by sin—do not stay there. Look up. Look at Jesus. Trust Him. Because those who look at Him with faith will not die—they will live.”