Today's readings contain the entire Gospel in just a few verses. In response to the murmuring and rebellion of the Israelites, God sent fiery serpents to bite and harass them. When they asked Moses to intercede, God refused to remove the serpents but gave them the cure. A bronze serpent, hoisted on a pole, would heal all those who had been bitten - they needed only to raise their eyes and gaze upon it. It symbolized the raising of one's thoughts and awareness to God rather than earthly things.

Jesus applied this story to Himself - He would be raised aloft on the cross and would provide healing for all who fixed their gaze upon Him. When our minds and hearts are fixed upon God and the Lord Jesus, we begin to be inwardly healed and transformed.

Paul provided his Philippian community with the ideal model for Christian living: the life of Jesus Himself. Jesus did not cling to anything, but completely emptied Himself of power, status, and His place in heaven, assuming the role of a slave or servant for all. He offered His entire being to God and then became obedient to the Will of the Father, even to the cross. It was because of this that He was exalted to the heavens and given the name above all other names. The more we are able to empty ourselves of ego and selfishness, the closer we will be to Jesus.