Understanding, the second gift of the Holy Spirit, gives us an insight into the truths revealed by God, such as the Holy Trinity, the Church and the most holy Eucharist. The Holy Spirit gives this gift in response to a lively and simple faith.

Such faith does not depend on natural intelligence or on academic qualifications. People with limited intellectual ability may have a profound understanding of the sacred mysteries, whereas those whom the world judges as brilliant scholars may be limited in their understanding because of a lack of humility and trust in God.

St John Fisher was a brilliant scholar who combined learning with humility and a life of prayer and penance. He made great reforms at Cambridge University but was also a pastoral Bishop who cared for his flock. As well as helping those who were materially poor, he showed a special concern for those who were misled by the craze for novelty which marked the reformation, and took time to give instruction.

As a man of unshakeable principle, he would not give his support to King Henry VIII either in the matter of his divorce from Queen Katherine of Aragon or in his claim to be the Head of the Church in England. Betrayed by a former friend who pretended to be seeking spiritual advice, St John Fisher was beheaded at Tower Hill, a martyr for the faith of the Church.

St John Fisher lived during the time of some of the most notorious popes in history. While others rejected papal authority all together, the gift of understanding enabled St John Fisher to uphold the supreme authority of the Papacy without approving of the immoral deeds of individual Popes.