“When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will realize that
I AM.”
John uses this phrase “lifted up” to refer to both Jesus’
death on the cross, being lifted up on the hill of calvary, and also, being
lifted up in the resurrection. Like the
bronze serpent which was salvation for those who looked on it in that first
reading, Jesus lifted up becomes salvation for all who look on him in faith.
It is the task of the Christian is to constantly lift up
Jesus for all to see, that Jesus may continue to draw all people of all time to
himself.
We lift him up on the cross.
It is important for us to encourage others to display crucifixes in
their homes and workplaces, even in their car, and on their person.
He is lifted up in the Eucharist at Mass. It is important for us to invite those who
have fallen away back to Church.
Jesus is lifted up in the monstrance at Eucharistic
Adoration. So many people who are
hungering for intimacy with Jesus have never considered coming to spend time
with him in a Holy Hour.
Jesus is also lifted up in the preaching and teaching of the
Church. Next time an adult education or
scripture study opportunity is offered; invite someone who is struggling with
their faith to join you.
He is to be lifted up in our speech. Many Christians don't share their faith in
Jesus with others, but many are hungering to know Jesus, to know how he changes
lives and leads to the peace of heaven. In
our efforts of spreading the Gospel, that personal testimony of how faith in
Jesus Christ has changed you is so important.
Lift him up so that others may come to believe in him every
way you can. May our Lenten prayer,
fasting, and almsgiving help us renew our efforts in spreading belief in Him for
the glory of God and salvation of souls.
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