"From Evil to Good"

Genesis 3:1-5; 11-13; 22-24

Numbers 21:4-9

Philippians 2: 6-11

John 3: 13-16

This first reading establishes that the devil took the form of a snake to tempt and destroy humankind.

The second reading shows us the progression of snakes continued affiliation with evil. 

Here's the miracle. The serpents that are sent to the Hebrews in their time of grumbling against God. The serpents strike many and many are killed. The result is the repentance of those wandering through the desert. God directs Moses to fashion a bronze serpent on a pole. That then becomes a sign of healing for those afflicted with snake bites. To this day many doctors offices and hospitals weave the snake on a pole into the "logo" of their office or hospital where they work.

The passage from St. Paul's letter to the Philippians he tells us that Jesus emptied himself and came to us as a man. Not only that but Jesus made himself obedient to death. And death on The Cross. One of mankind's most horrible forms of execution. Add to that, Jesus was dying for sins He never committed.

Last but not least in one of the most famous Bible passages of all time as like the bronze serpent being lifted as a symbol of healing, Jesus is raised up on The Cross not as a mere symbol of healing but as the ultimate image of healing and eternal life. The Cross was meant to be the greatest tool of the devil to triumph over good but instead became the most important tool of defeat over death and hell. 

So what evil are you facing?

Death? Disease, Famine? Poverty? Unfaithfulness? Desolation? Depression? Betrayal? Divorce? Failure? Fear?

Addictions to drugs? alcohol? gambling? pornography?

I've seen people without limbs living a sucessful and meaningful lives. They challenge adversity. And put life into prespective. Sometimes sweating the small stuff (for example failing an exam, being grounded, internet and texting privleges being taken away ect.)

Most times our worst disability is our attitude. So look at life. Your miracle may be right around the corner. It may come from the most unlikely source.