September 14, 2004, Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.

A reading from the Book of Numbers. 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. In punishment, the Lord sent among the people

Sarif serpents, which bit the people so that many of them died. Then the people came to Moses

and said, We have sinned in complaining against the Lord and you. Pray the Lord to take the

serpents from us. So Moses prayed for the people, and the Lord said to Moses, Make a seraph and mounted on a pole, and if any who have been bitten look at it, they will live.

Moses accordingly made a bronze serpent and mounted it on a pole, And whenever anyone who had been bitten by a serpent

looked at the bronze serpent, he lived. The works of the Lord.

Do not forget the works of the Lord.

Harken my people to my teaching, incline your ears to the words of my mouth.

I will open my mouth in a parable. I will utter mysteries from a vote. Do not forget the works of the Lord.

While he slew them, they sought him,

and inquired after God again,

remembering that God was there and the most high God their redeemer.

Do not forget the works of the Lord, but they flattered him with their mouths and lied to him with their tongues though their hearts

though their hearts were not steadfast toward him nor were they faithful to his covenant.

Do not forget the works of the Lord.

Yet he being merciful, forgave their sin

And destroy them not.

Often he turned back his anger

And let none of his wrath be roused.

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