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Manila Bulletin

Opinion

So must the son of man be lifted up

Opinion

So must the son of man be lifted up

By Manila Bulletin

REFLECTIONS TODAY

Jesus converses with Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews, about things that are above, like the necessity of being born from above, which we refer to as baptism. Jesus knows what he is talking about, because he comes from above. The lifting up of Jesus, like that of the serpent in the desert during the time of Moses, refers to his crucifixion. He will be nailed to the cross and hoisted to death. Jesus is willing to suffer that fate so that all who believe in him will have eternal life. The feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross should make us appreciate also our own sacrifices and crosses and make them meaningful. We cannot gain God’s favor unless we are willing to undergo the same passion, death, and resurrection, which is our own lifting up to God.

Gospel •John 3:13-17

Jesus said to Nicodemus: “No one has gone up to heaven except the one who has come down from heaven, the Son of Man. 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.” For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.

Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2023,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.

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