Gospel: March 20, 2026

March 20, 2026 (Friday)

4th Week of Lent

Psalter: Week 4 (Violet)

Day of abstinence from meat (age 14 and up)

Ps 34:17-18, 19-20, 21 & 23

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.

1st Reading: Wisdom of Solomon 2:1a, 12-22

Gospel: John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30

After this, Jesus went around Galilee; he would not go about in Judea, because the Jews wanted to kill him. Now the Jewish feast of the Tents was at hand.

But after his brothers had gone to the festival, he also went up, not publicly but in secret.

Some of the people of Jerusalem said, “Is this not the man they want to kill? And here he is speaking freely, and they don’t say a word to him? Can it be, that the rulers know that this is really the Christ? Yet we know where this man comes from; but when the Christ appears, no one will know where he comes from.”

So Jesus announced in a loud voice in the temple court where he was teaching, “You say that you know me and know where I come from! I have not come of myself; I was sent by the One who is true, and you don’t know him. I know him, for I come from him, and he sent me.”

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They would have arrested him, but no one laid hands on him because his time had not yet come.

Reflection:

He remains true to His mission and identity.

The concept of identity significantly shapes the narrative in the Gospel of John. As Jesus travels through Galilee, He encounters doubt and inquiries about His true nature. The crowd asks, “Is this not the man they want to kill?” This moment illustrates a universal human struggle: trying to understand and define ourselves while facing the opinions and doubts of others.

Jesus’ identity is questioned not only by those who seek to discredit Him but also by the expectations of those around Him. Similarly, we often struggle with how others perceive us; these perceptions can lead to doubts about our worth and purpose. However, Jesus imparts an important lesson: He remains true to His mission and identity.

This passage encourages us to embrace our true selves, regardless of others’ opinions. Just as Jesus confidently proclaimed His purpose, we, too, can draw strength from being authentic. By recognizing our worth beyond external judgments, we can confront life’s challenges confidently and clearly. This reflection invites us to uncover who we are and to live that truth boldly, shaping our lives in alignment with our genuine selves.