A story is told about Saint Mother Teresa who had the sisters in one of her convents go out and purchase more red paint to add to the crucifix that was hanging in the chapel.
Many faithful around the world prefer a crucified image that portrays a broken body, a suffering Christ they can identify with because of their own experiences.
In the reading from the Book of Numbers today, God instructed Moses to fix a bronze serpent on a stick, hold it up before the rebellious people and if they looked upon it, they would be saved.
“And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.” John 3:14-15
The action of the priest when he consecrates the bread and wine fulfills these words. Today it is no longer a bronze serpent hanging from a pole. It is the crucified body of Jesus.
You and your family might consider adding an element to your Lenten prayer. Take hold of a crucifix and gaze upon it and see in Christ’s crucified body the sufferings around us. Name family members, neighbors, friends who are undergoing their own suffering, and ask Jesus to look upon them and bring them healing.
For additional reading: Jesus, the Father’s Ambassador, John 8:21-30.
