THE SEASON OF LENT IS A WAY OF THE CROSS

Homily for the Fourth Sunday in Lent, Year B

Fr. Ugochukwu Ugwoke, ISch

Biblical Texts: 2 Chronicles 36:14-16, 19-23; Ephesians 2:4-10; John 3:14-21

For some weeks now, we have been journeying with Jesus within this season of Lent. On the first Sunday of Lent, we journeyed with Jesus to the wilderness, the place of encounter and spiritual testing, for us to confront the different beasts in our lives - shortcomings, addictions, vulnerabilities, weaknesses, temptations, and blind spots. On the second Sunday of Lent, Jesus took us on a journey to the Mountain, the place of divine presence and encounter with God, for us to listen to the voice of God and be transformed through our obedience to the Word of God. On the third Sunday of Lent, our Lenten journey with Jesus took us to the temple for spiritual cleansing and purification. On this fourth Sunday in Lent, the Laeatre Sunday, our journey with Jesus takes us to the cross.

Of all the locations that Jesus has taken us to on the course of this Lenten journey, today’s location, the cross, seems to be the most dreaded. In human terms, nobody wants to go to the cross or experience it. This is because in the ancient times, the cross was viewed as a symbol of death, torture, punishment, oppression, and an emblem of suffering and shame. It was a tool of torture and public humiliation, reserved for criminals, slaves, and political dissidents. However, the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ on the cross brought about a profound shift in the meaning and symbolism of the cross. Through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the cross has been transformed into a symbol of victory over sin, death, and oppression. It has become a powerful reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is hope for redemption and renewal.

Today’s Gospel passage begins with a reference to the story of Moses lifting up the serpent in the wilderness, a sign of healing and salvation for the Israelites ((Numbers 21:4-9; John 3:14). Like the serpent, Jesus, too, will be lifted up on the cross, becoming the ultimate sign of redemption and salvation for all who believe. This imagery invites us to contemplate the profound mystery of the cross - the place where suffering and salvation intersect, where doom gives way to hope, where darkness is overcome by light, where death is transformed into life, and where wounds are healed by the wounds of Christ.

Just as the bronze serpent was God’s means of salvation for the Israelites who were bitten by the serpents in the wilderness, so also is Jesus Christ crucified, God’s means of salvation for everyone who has been bitten by the deadly venom of sin in the wilderness of this fallen world. Just as those who were bitten by the serpent received healing by looking at the serpent, so also do we gain salvation by looking at the cross and believing in Jesus crucified.

Lastly, St. Paul in the second reading tells us that God loved us with so much love that he was generous with his mercy; when we were dead through our sins, he brought us to life with Christ (Ephesians 2:4). On the cross, Jesus willingly laid down his life for the sake of humanity, demonstrating the depth of God’s love for each and every one of us. The cross reveals the lengths to which God was willing to go to reconcile us to Himself, even in our fallen and broken state. It is left for us to respond to the unconditional love and mercy that has been shown to us through the Cross of Jesus. We are challenged to respond in two ways: either with belief or unbelief. By believing in the One the Father had sent, we gain salvation but the one who does not belief is condemned already. May we always accept Jesus, the light that has come into our world.