By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News

This week, from the prayer desk of Rev. Fr Stevenson Olowolagba, the cleric reflects on the profound significance of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, calling believers to meditate on the humility and sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ. Through the readings of Numbers 21:4-9, Philippians 2:6-11, and John 3:13-17, the faithful are invited to contemplate the mystery of salvation and the transformative power of faith.

Rebellion, Punishment, and Divine Mercy

In the first reading, the Israelites journey through the desert and once again murmur against the Lord and His servant, Moses. A familiar pattern emerges in Scripture: rebellion, punishment, intercession, and forgiveness. Many of us experience similar moments in our lives—times of struggle, challenge, and frustration that tempt us to complain or doubt God’s plan.

God’s response to the people’s discontent was both mysterious and profound: the bronze serpent lifted upon a pole. Those who looked at it in faith were healed. This symbol points beyond history, towards the ultimate salvation offered through Christ. Healing from sin and restoration come from God alone, and faith in His promise is essential.

Christ as the Fulfilment of Salvation

In today’s Gospel, Jesus explains: “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that whoever believes in Him may have eternal life” (John 3:14-15). Christ, eternal and divine, offers humanity a new birth through His life, death, and resurrection. His existence transcends time, and His sacrifice restores humanity, defeating sin and the powers of evil.

The bronze serpent, representing sin and the work of the devil (Genesis 3:1; Hebrews 2:14-15), foreshadows Christ’s triumph on the Cross. Today, humanity is healed and reconciled through faith in the Son of Man lifted up for our salvation. The Cross is the ultimate evidence of God’s love—a love that calls us to trust, believe, and live transformed lives.

The Mind of Christ: A Model for Humanity

Philippians 2:6-11 reminds us that Christ, though divine, humbled Himself, taking the form of a servant and submitting to death on the Cross. His humility and obedience offer a model for all humanity: true greatness comes not from pride or selfishness but from selfless service and surrender to God’s will.

In a world often marked by selfishness, strife, and despair, believers are called to let the mind of Christ guide their thoughts, words, and actions. Humility, faith, and love become practical tools for transformation, peace, and reconciliation.

Practical Reflections for the Week Ahead

Rev. Fr Stevenson Olowolagba encourages the faithful to apply the lessons of the Cross in daily life:

1. Embrace Humility: Let the mind of Christ shape your decisions and interactions, prioritising service over self-interest.
2. Foster Peace: Be an instrument of reconciliation in families, workplaces, and communities.
3. Exercise Faith: Trust in God’s plan, recognising that true healing and salvation come through Christ.
4. Reflect Daily: Meditate on the Cross as a reminder of God’s love and the power of sacrifice.

As we begin this new week, may the Cross inspire believers to let the mind of Christ flood their hearts and minds, guiding every thought and action. Through humility, faith, and love, we can become agents of hope, peace, and transformation in a world that desperately needs it.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

Akahi News http://www.akahinews.org

THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS

Readings: 1st Numbers 21:4-9 2nd phillians 2:6-11 Gospel Jn 3:13-17
Theme: Through the inspiration of the humility of Christ : let us allow the mind of Christ flood our minds.
Reflection: Peace of the Lord be with you, beloved brethren in Christ Jesus, people murmured again the Lord and his servant, Moses : we find the same pattern : as in previous such stories, rebellion -punishment- intercession – forgiveness. We also find ourselves in similar situations, when we go through life challenges, complaining due to demands , and challenges of life. The remedy proposed by God – the bronze serpent – is mysterious. It shows that healing from sin comes only from God. We have to look with faith on the sign of our healing. The true meaning of this mysterious sign was revealed by Christ Jesus when he said in the gospel today; “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the son of man be lifted up, so that who ever believes in him will have eternal life “( Jn 3:14) . Christ the mediator, revealed the new birth for humanity: Christ origin was our of heaven, our of the spiritual world and dimension of being (Jn 3:31) . His existence and experience are timeless. He is eternal (Jn 1:15) . The new birth is secured by two acts : Jesus, death. People’s murmured and grumble uttered unpleasant words. God disciplined them. The people repented and begged for mercy. God met the People’s need as earlier stated. The snake is a symbol of the evil one (Gen 3:1). Jesus Christ destroyed the works of the devil by being lifted up (Heb 2:14-15). Therefore, the snake hanging upon the pole symbolised the defeat of Satan. Today , humanity is healed by looking upon the son of man who has been lifted up upon the cross . Therefore, beloved brethren, the person who believes in Jesus, being lifted up will not perish , but will have eternal life (Jn.10:10). This is the evidence of God’s love for humanity, the sacrifice of His son’s death on the cross. Jesus being the supreme example of humanity: earned him to be successful in carrying the mission God entrusted Him with. He gave up everything He was and had – that mind is to be in us. The only solution and remedy for this sinful world is for every person to let the mind of Christ flood his/her mind. Let us all take the attitude of Christ flowing in us. Let us humble ourselves becoming means of solution not problem for the world. As you step out, this new week , through the abundance grace of God, may you experience the spirit of humanity and be at peace in your daily endeavors. Peace of the Lord be with you all.