We are redeemed by the Cross.

"But with their patience worn out by the journey, the people complained against God and Moses,
“Why have you brought us up from Egypt to die in this desert, where there is no food or water?
We are disgusted with this wretched food!”  (Numbers 21 : 4-5 RM)

No matter your frustration or anger, remember this one thing: Thou shalt not complain or criticize the Lord your God.

In punishment for sinning with their tongue, "the Lord sent among the people seraph serpents, which bit the people so that many of the Israelites died."  (Numbers 21:  6). The punishment worked.   “We have sinned in complaining against the Lord and you. Pray to the Lord to take the serpents from us.”  (Numbers 21 : 7).

The Lord instructed Moses:  "Make a seraph and mount it on a pole, and everyone who has been bitten will look at it and recover."  (Numbers 21: 8)

A long time after the incident in the desert, Jesus teaches the true meaning of what happened in the desert:
"And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.”  (John 3: 14 - 15).

On Day 35 of Lent 2018, we realize that soon Jesus must be lifted up on the cross. What does the cross mean to you? Pope Benedict XVI writes:  "Man is redeemed by the cross." And in another place, he continues:  "Rejection of the cross is rejection of Jesus Christ."

"Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory!  The seed is the word of God, Christ is the sower;  all who come to Him will live forever." (Gospel acclamation, Tuesday 5th Week of Lent 2018).

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