The classic Augustinian insight said that the New Testament is hidden in the Old Testament and the Old Testament is revealed in the New Testament. Our reflection verse today symbolizes that statement.
Fr. Rolheiser writes that our scripture verse is a call to embrace vulnerability, open oneself to God, and move away from defensiveness. He links this “lifting” to the cross—an ultimate act of letting go—which contrasts with human tendencies toward control and self-protection.
Just as the Israelites were healed by looking at the lifted-up serpent—a symbol of the very thing (the snake/poison) that was killing them—we are healed by looking at Jesus, who takes on the “poison” of human hatred and sin. This “lifting” allows us to see our vulnerability and be saved through vulnerability.
The lifting up is a public, visible event. It is a moment of revelation, where Jesus is not just dying, but being exalted by God (a double meaning in John’s gospel), allowing all to see the nature of God’s love and believe.
These words in our scripture reflection today are all about a change of heart, a “lifting” of our own minds and hearts, similar to how we must bring our real selves to God in prayer. Salvation comes not from winning or controlling, but by looking to the lifted-up, crucified Christ and adopting that same open, defenseless, and loving stance toward the world.
