Reflections on the readings for the Feast of St. John (December 27, 2019): 1 JN 1:1-4; PS 97:1-2,5-6,11-12; JN 20:1,2-8
MISSIO offers “Preaching Mission,” as a homily help, providing connections to mission from the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
Today we venerate St. John, known as the Beloved Disciple.
He was a fisherman like his brother St. James. And, along with St. Peter, they formed an inner circle of Apostles. Because they were so close to Christ, they witnessed the Transfiguration and the raising of Jairus’ daughter from the dead. They also accompanied Him to the garden of Gethsemane on the night before He died. While at times showing faults including ambition and anger, John truly understood and rejoiced in the profound love that Jesus shared with him – and with every person. John is the author of the last Gospel, three epistles and the Book of Revelation. And in each of these, he emphasized the love and glory of the Son of God. He repeatedly called on all believers to share Christ’s love with one another and all our neighbors. “What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked upon and touched with our hands concerns the Word of life – for the life was made visible” (1 John 1:1).
John was the one Apostle who stayed with our Lord on Calvary during His crucifixion. It was to him that Jesus entrusted the well being of His mother Mary. John went on to share the Good News with many in what is now Turkey. And it is thought that, of all the Apostles, only St. John died a natural death at an advanced age, possibly in Ephesus.