Office Of Readings | Monday, Lent Week 5 | From The Commentary On The Penitential Psalms By Saint John Fisher, Bishop And Martyr | Jesus Christ Our Advocate With The Father
‘Even if someone has sinned, we have an advocate with the father.’
Saint John Fisher, Bishop And Martyr | Context And Theological Depth
Saint John Fisher (1469–1535), a scholar, bishop and martyr during the English Reformation, is remembered for his unshakable fidelity to the Catholic Church and the sacramental life of the Church. His Commentary on the Penitential Psalms, written before his imprisonment, is rich in theological clarity and pastoral care. This particular reflection—focused on the priesthood, atonement, and the mercy of Christ—is a deeply Lenten meditation, inviting the sinner to repentance and trust in the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice.
Fisher was executed by King Henry VIII for refusing to recognize the king as head of the Church in England. His witness makes his emphasis on fidelity, sacrifice, and penitence all the more powerful. His work emerges not from abstract reflection but from a soul formed by prayer, study, and suffering.
Christ As Priest And Sacrifice
Saint John Fisher opens with the declaration:
‘Christ Jesus is our bishop, his most precious body is our sacrifice, which he offered upon a cross for the redemption of all the world.’
This identification of Christ as both high priest and victim reflects the teaching of the Letter to the Hebrews (especially chapters 7–10), which Fisher knew intimately. Christ is not merely one who offers something external to himself; he offers himself. His body is the true sacrifice; his priesthood, eternal.
Unlike the priests of the Old Covenant, Christ does not enter into a man-made temple but into heaven itself. Fisher notes:
‘The temple wherein our bishop did sacrifice was not made by man’s hand… but… the face of all the world, which is the temple made only by the hand of God.’
Fisher stresses that the whole cosmos becomes the sanctuary in which Christ’s sacrifice is offered. On Calvary, in full view of the world, he acts as both priest and victim.
From Earth To Heaven | A Sacrifice That Endures
The movement from Christ’s earthly Passion to his heavenly intercession is a central feature of the reading. After his resurrection, Christ, ‘clothed in immortality’, enters the sanctum sanctorum—the heavenly Holy of Holies—to present his blood before the Father. Fisher refers to the tradition that Christ shed his blood seven times (often understood to include Gethsemane, scourging, crowning with thorns, hands and feet nailed, and the piercing of the side). Each act of bloodshed becomes a channel of mercy.
This sacrificial act is not confined to the past but remains eternally efficacious:
‘This sacrifice shall continue… it is daily offered for our comfort, and every hour and moment for our most strong succour.’
Here Fisher anticipates the Catholic doctrine of the Eucharistic Sacrifice: that the sacrifice of Calvary is made present in every Mass. Though Christ dies only once, the grace and power of that sacrifice are ever active, ever accessible, particularly in the liturgy.
Repentance And Participation In Christ’s Sacrifice
Fisher is acutely aware of the human condition: we sin, we fall, we stray. But he insists that no sin, however serious, excludes a person from Christ’s intercession—provided there is sincere repentance:
‘Every contrite and true penitent person not willing to fall again… is partaker of this holy sacrifice.’
Repentance is not mere regret but a change of heart, a desire for holiness. Fisher is pastoral and precise. He does not minimize sin, but he magnifies grace. He urges the penitent to trust not in his own worthiness but in Christ’s advocacy.
This echoes 1 John 2:1–2, which Fisher cites directly:
‘If anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And he is the expiation for our sins.’
Fisher draws from this the assurance that Christ’s intercession continues: Christ pleads for sinners not with words only, but with his wounds, with the blood poured out on the cross and now presented to the Father in heaven.
A Theology Of Confidence And Hope
The tone of the reading is penitential but never despairing. For Fisher, the Lenten call to repentance is not simply a season of sorrow but an invitation to restoration. Sin wounds the soul, but Christ the high priest enters heaven on our behalf, not to accuse, but to heal.
There is no suggestion in Fisher’s writing of transactional or mechanical forgiveness. Mercy is not dispensed automatically; it is received by those who approach God with contrition and resolve. But the generosity of the offer is boundless. The sacrifice is available ‘every hour and moment,’ and Christ is always the advocate for the penitent.
Liturgical Resonance And Eucharistic Implication
Though not explicitly developed in this excerpt, Fisher’s words naturally point to the Mass. For Catholics, the altar is the meeting point of Calvary and heaven. The same sacrifice offered ‘in the face of all the world’ is re-presented in the Eucharist, and the faithful are invited to unite their prayers, their repentance, and their lives to that offering.
Thus, for the Lenten pilgrim, this reading is not abstract theology but a practical roadmap:
- Come to Christ the priest.
- Confess your sins with contrition.
- Trust in his advocacy.
- Participate in his sacrifice.
- Renew your purpose to live a virtuous life.
In this final stretch of Lent, Fisher’s message is clear:
Return to the high priest. The doors of mercy are open. The sacrifice is before the Father. Your advocate waits.
From The Commentary On The Penitential Psalms By Saint John Fisher, Bishop And Martyr
Christ Jesus is our bishop, his most precious body is our sacrifice, which he offered upon a cross for the redemption of all the world.
The blood shed for our redemption was not the blood of goats or calves as in the old law, it was the very blood most innocent of our saviour Jesus Christ.
The temple wherein our bishop did sacrifice was not made by man’s hand but only by the power of God, he shed his precious blood for our redemption in the face of all the world, which is the temple made only by the hand of God.
This temple has two divers parts, one is the earth whereon we inhabit, the other is not yet known to us mortal creatures.
First he did sacrifice in the earth when he suffered his passion. After, in a new clothing or garment, the vesture of immortality, and with his own precious blood he entered into sanctum sanctorum [the Holy of Holies] that is to say into heaven when he shewed his said most precious blood before the throne of his father which he shed for all sinners 7 times.
By this holy sacrifice almighty God must needs have pity and execute his mercy to all true penitents and this sacrifice shall continue not only year by year as the manner was of Jews, but also it is daily offered for our comfort, and every hour and moment for our most strong succour, wherefore saint Paul says Having obtained eternal redemption.
By it we are redeemed for ever. Every contrite and true penitent person not willing to fall again but with a full purpose to continue in virtuous living is partaker of this holy sacrifice.
As saint John shews in his first epistle: My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin; but if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And he is the expiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.
Christian Art | Life Of Jesus In The Gospels | King James Audio Bible KJV The Gospel Of Saint John 14: 1-7 | King James Audio Bible YouTube: Connection With The Life Of Jesus In The Gospels | King James Audio Bible The Gospels are not just a collection of stories or teachings, but a window into the life of Jesus. By reading and reflecting on the Gospels, we gain a deeper understanding of who Jesus was and what he came to do. As we read the Gospels, we see that Jesus was a man of great compassion and love. Jesus showed mercy to the outcasts and the marginalized, and he offered healing and hope to those who were in need. He also taught with authority, challenging the religious leaders of his day and offering a new way of living based on love and service. But the Gospels are not just a history lesson. They are also an invitation for us to enter into a relationship with Jesus. By reading and meditating on the Gospels, we can come to know Jesus more personally and deeply. We can learn from his example and seek to follow in his footsteps. So we may be encouraged to read the Gospels, perhaps starting with the Gospel of Mark or the Gospel of John, as we read paying attention to how Jesus interacted with others and how he responded to different situations. We may ask ourselves what you can learn from his words and actions, and how we can apply them to our own lives. And as we read, we can allow ourselves to be drawn into a closer relationship with Jesus. There truly is an historical Jesus. May the Gospels be a source of guidance, inspiration, and transformation for us all. How Much In The Gospels Is Historical, And How Much Is Myth, Legend, Trope, Figurative Thinking? It is difficult to say with certainty how much of the Gospels is historical in the modern sense of the word and how much is myth, legend, trope, or figurative thinking. The Gospels were written some years after the events they describe, and they were written from the perspective of the early Christian community. This means that the Gospels may contain a mix of historical facts and interpretation, as well as elements of myth, legend, and figurative thinking. That being said, scholars believe that the Gospels contain a good deal of historical information. For example, the Gospels describe specific places and events, such as the places where Jesus preached and the events of his trial and Crucifixion. These details suggest that the writers of the Gospels had access to historical information and intended to provide an accurate account of what happened. On the other hand, the Gospels also contain elements that are not seen by all as historical, howsoever this goes to the root of the faith, such as the miracles performed by Jesus and the accounts of his resurrection. Some see these as legends or myths that were added to the Gospels to help convey the message of the early Christian community. The question of how much of the Gospels is historical and how much is myth, legend, or figurative thinking is complex. What is important is that we approach the Gospels with an open mind and a willingness to engage with the stories and teachings they contain. We are in the Gospels in conversation with God – and with the many people who have had such faith and conversations – as with the historical Jesus. Why Do The Gospels Say Were People Afraid Of Jesus? There are several reasons why people may have been afraid of Jesus, according to the Gospels. One reason is that Jesus was a powerful and charismatic figure who challenged the religious and political authorities of his time. He spoke out against corruption and injustice, and he called on people to repent and turn to God. This type of behaviour was seen as threatening by those in positions of power, and they may have been afraid of losing their influence or authority. Another reason is that Jesus performed many miracles, such as healing the sick and casting out demons. These miracles were seen as evidence of his divine power, and they may have made people afraid of him. Some people may have been afraid of being healed or possessed by Jesus, while others may have been afraid of what would happen if they did not believe in him. Finally, some people may have been afraid of Jesus because of the prophecies and expectations of the coming of a messiah. The Jews of Jesus’ time were looking for a saviour who would deliver them from oppression and establish a kingdom of God on earth. When Jesus arrived on the scene, he may have been seen as a threat to the status quo, and some people may have been afraid of what he might do. Might The Fear Be Related To The Fear Of God – The Injunction To Fear God? Yes, it is possible that the fear of Jesus mentioned in the Gospels may be related to the fear of God. In the Old Testament, the fear of God is often used to describe a deep reverence and awe for God, as well as a sense of humility and obedience in the face of his greatness. This fear of God is seen as a positive and necessary quality for a faithful believer, and it is often linked to the idea of fearing God’s punishment or judgement. In the New Testament, the fear of God is also mentioned, but it is often portrayed in a more positive light. For example, in the Gospel of Luke, Jesus tells his followers not to be afraid of those who can only kill the body, but to fear God, who can destroy both body and soul (Luke 12:4-5). This suggests that the fear of God is not just about punishment, but about a deep respect for […]
Psalm 141, through appeals for divine guidance, protection, and the maintenance of righteousness, expresses struggles and aspirations of the faithful in their journey toward spiritual integrity. Psalm 141 is personal lament and a communal prayer, reflecting universal human desire for divine closeness and support in the face of adversity. Through its vivid imagery, heartfelt pleas, and expressions of trust in God, Psalm 141 meditates themes of prayer, moral integrity, and divine justice [ … ]
Scripture: John 14:27 ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.’ In this verse, Jesus offers his peace to his disciples, a peace that is different from what the world provides. This divine peace is deep, abiding, and capable of calming troubled hearts and dispelling fear. It is a peace that surpasses all understanding and is rooted in the presence and promises of Christ. Prayer Dear Jesus, I come before you, seeking your peace in my life. The world around me is filled with chaos and uncertainty, but I know that your peace can calm the storm within my heart. Help me to trust in you more deeply, to rest in your promises, and to feel your presence in every moment. Fill me with your peace that surpasses all understanding, and help me to be a vessel of your peace to those around me. Amen. Personal Reflection What areas of your life are causing you anxiety or fear? How can you invite Jesus’ peace into these areas? Reflect on a time when you experienced Christ’s peace amidst turmoil. Meditation On Prayer And Gospel John 14:27 reveals a profound truth about the nature of Jesus’ peace. Unlike the fleeting and often superficial peace offered by the world, Jesus’ peace is enduring and deeply transformative. This peace is not dependent on external circumstances but is anchored in the character and promises of Christ. As we navigate through life’s challenges, it’s crucial to understand and embrace this divine peace. Jesus’ peace is rooted in his presence. When he says, ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you,’ Jesus is assuring us of his continual presence. This peace is a gift that flows from his abiding presence in our lives. It is a reminder that we are never alone, no matter what we face. his presence brings comfort and security, allowing us to rest even in the midst of life’s storms. Furthermore, Jesus contrasts his peace with the peace that the world gives. The world’s peace is often conditional and temporary, based on circumstances that can change in an instant. In contrast, Jesus’ peace is steadfast and eternal. It is a peace that reassures us in our deepest fears and anxieties, reminding us that he is in control. This peace transcends our understanding, as it is grounded in the eternal and unchanging nature of God. To experience Jesus’ peace, we must cultivate a relationship with him. This involves spending time in prayer, meditating on his word, and seeking his presence in our daily lives. It also means surrendering our worries and fears to Jesus, trusting that Jesus will provide and protect. As we draw closer to Jesus, his peace fills our hearts and minds, transforming our outlook and calming our spirits. One practical way to embrace Jesus’ peace is through prayer and meditation. By setting aside time each day to be still before the Lord, we create space for his peace to fill us. Reflecting on scriptures like John 14:27 can remind us of his promises and help us focus on his presence. Additionally, practicing gratitude can shift our focus from our worries to the many blessings in our lives, further opening our hearts to his peace. Another aspect of embracing Jesus’ peace is learning to let go of control. Often, our anxiety stems from a desire to control our circumstances. Jesus invites us to trust in his sovereign plan, even when we do not understand it. By surrendering our need for control and placing our trust in Him, we open ourselves to the peace that comes from knowing that He holds all things in his hands. Living in Jesus’ peace also means becoming peacemakers in our relationships and communities. As we experience his peace, we are called to extend that peace to others. This involves forgiving those who have wronged us, seeking reconciliation, and promoting harmony wherever we go. By being agents of his peace, we reflect his love and grace to a world in desperate need of his presence. Prayer Lord Jesus, Your peace is a precious gift that the world cannot give. In times of turmoil and distress, remind me to turn to you. Let your peace guard my heart and mind, dispelling all fear and anxiety. Teach me to trust in your unfailing love and to rest in your promises. Help me to be a peacemaker, sharing your peace with those around me. May your peace reign in my heart, my home, and my relationships. Thank you for your constant presence and the gift of your peace. Amen. Scripture: Matthew 5:9 ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.’ Blessing May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ fill your heart and mind, guiding you through every challenge and bringing you comfort and joy. May you rest in his unending peace and share it generously with those around you. Amen.
