Today's Gospel March 31 2020 with comment

From the Gospel of Jesus Christ according to John 8,21: 30-XNUMX.
At that time, Jesus said to the Pharisees: «I am going and you will seek me, but you will die in your sin. Where I am going, you cannot come ».
Then the Jews said: "Perhaps he will kill himself, since he says: Where am I going, can't you come?"
And he said to them: "You are from below, I am from above; you are from this world, I am not from this world.
I have told you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am, you will die in your sins ».
Then they said to him, "Who are you?" Jesus said to them, "Just what I tell you.
I would have many things to say and judge on your behalf; but he who sent me is truthful, and I tell the world the things I have heard from him. "
They did not understand that he spoke to them about the Father.
Then Jesus said: «When you have lifted up the Son of man, then you will know that I am and I do nothing of myself, but as the Father taught me, so I speak.
He who sent me is with me and has not left me alone, because I always do the things he likes. "
At his words, many believed in him.

St. John Fisher (ca 1469-1535)
bishop and martyr

Homily for Good Friday
«When you have lifted up the Son of man, then you will know that I am»
Astonishment is the source from which philosophers draw their great knowledge. They encounter and contemplate the wonders of nature, such as earthquakes, thunder (...), solar and lunar eclipses, and affected by such wonders, seek their causes. In this way, through patient research and long investigations, they reach a remarkable knowledge and depth, which men call "natural philosophy".

There is, however, another form of higher philosophy, which goes beyond nature, which can also be reached by amazement. And, without a doubt, among what characterizes Christian doctrine, it is particularly extraordinary and marvelous that the Son of God, out of love for man, allowed him to be crucified and die on the cross. (...) Is it not surprising that the one for whom we must have the greatest respectful fear has experienced such a fear as to sweat water and blood? (...) Is it not surprising that the one who gives life to every creature has tolerated such an ignoble, cruel and painful death?

Thus those who strive to meditate and admire this so extraordinary "book" of the cross, with a mild heart and sincere faith, will come to a more fruitful knowledge than those who, in large numbers, study and meditate daily on ordinary books. For a true Christian, this book is the subject of sufficient study for all days of life.