Homily for Tuesday, Week 5 of Lent

Homily for Tuesday
5th Week of Lent

March 24, 2026
John 8: 21-31
Christian Brothers, St. Joseph’s Residence, N.R.

The Crucifixion
(Corpus Christi Church, Port Chester, N.Y.)

“When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will realize that I AM” (John 8: 28).

Twice in today’s gospel, Jesus identifies himself with the God of Israel (8:24,28), the one who spoke to Moses from the burning bush:  I AM (Ex 3).  He also identifies himself as the one who saves Israel from death by being lifted up.  Elsewhere, he’s explicit in comparing himself with Moses’ bronze serpent (Num 21:6-9; John 3:14), but here that’s implicit.

Jesus’ crucifixion, obviously, is his lifting up.  It’s also his glorification, his completion of the Father’s work thru which we’re saved from death.  He’s identified his will with the Father’s:  “I always do what’s pleasing to him” (John 8:29).

The Father and the Son are distinct persons, but Jesus can claim, “The Father and I are one” (10:30).  They’re united in willing our redemption.  When the crucified One is also lifted up from the tomb, we realize that he IS—he is God’s equal—“true God from true God.”  When he’s lifted up to heaven, he carries with him our fallen humanity, raising it to heavenly glory.  “I belong to what is above” (8:23); all who believe in him and attach themselves to him will likewise be lifted up and will belong to him who is above—sins forgiven, death conquered, exalted in eternal life, joined in a mystical union with him who was, who is, and who ever shall be.