“Who are you?”
NUMBERS 21:4-9; PSALM 102; JOHN 8:21-30
The question “Who are you?” is at the heart of today’s Gospel. The hearers of Jesus could not understand His teaching and identity. They were puzzled about whether He was the Messiah or a prophet. However, in answering the question, Jesus revealed both His identity and theirs. He said, “You are from below, I am from above; you are of this world, I am not of this world.” Thus, the question “Who are you?” actually speaks about “who we are.”
Jesus response shows that our understanding of others reflects our own identity and perspective. This question serves as a mirror to our souls, revealing our values, beliefs, and assumptions. By examining our own identity, we gain a deeper understanding of others and ourselves, and are challenged to grow in self-awareness and empathy.
The first reading presents us with the story of the Bronze Serpent, which speaks of rebellion, punishment, intercession, and forgiveness. Are we different today?
In intercession, Moses asked the people to look up in order to be saved. God is merciful, but to obtain mercy, we must learn to look up; we must learn to be hopeful. If we look up, then we shall be lifted up by Jesus.
Let us pray:
Grant us, we pray, O Lord, perseverance in obeying Your will, that in our days, the people dedicated to Your service may grow in merit, grace, and number. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
