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| Here is a depiction of Saint John The Beloved (John 20:2-8) |
TODAY'S SAINT: SAINT JOHN, APOSTLE AND EVANGELIST (FEAST)
Today we celebrate the feast of Saint John, the disciple whom Jesus loved the most, the one who stood by the cross with Mary. He was the one who believed when he saw the empty tomb, the one who was chosen to remain with the Christian community for a long time as a witness of God’s love. We too are drawn into a new way of discipleship as we contemplate what God has done in the life of Saint John.
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| Here is the image depicting Saint John the Beloved and Saint Peter running to the tomb where Jesus was buried, accompanied by a verse from John 20:4-8. |
TODAY'S REFLECTION
On the feast-day of your beloved disciple John, we are given to meditate on his own first-hand account of your resurrection. The mystery lying unseen in the baby in the manger at Bethlehem is to unfold through the mystery of the cross and of the empty tomb. John’s meticulous recording of the details of his discovery of the empty tomb baffles me. What was the sign that led John to faith in your resurrection? Was it the empty tomb? Or was it how he found the burial linen and the head-napkin neatly folded and kept in a place? When he saw that the tomb stone was rolled away he must have suspected that the body might have been removed. Lord, you give us numerous little signs to lead us to believe that you are alive and with us as our risen Lord. Help us to read the signs of the times and so believe in your abiding presence in our midst.
PERSONAL DEVOTION
"I will sing forever of your mercies, O Lord; through all ages my mouth will proclaim your fidelity"
- Lord show me the path of life; in your presence is fullness of joy and at your right hand are pleasures forever more...
- Lord, remove everything within me that prevents me from hearing from you.
- Let every hopeless situation in my life be revived in Jesus' name.
- Lord, I believe in what you have said concerning my situation.
What to learn from St. John the Apostle 👇👇👇
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| Here is the depiction of Saint John the Beloved with the text and human figures |
Saint John the Beloved, also known as John the Apostle, was one of Jesus Christ's twelve apostles and is often regarded as the disciple whom Jesus loved the most. He is a significant figure in Christianity for his deep devotion to Jesus and his theological contributions to the New Testament.
KEY ASPECT OF SAINT JOHN:
Close Relationship with Jesus:
John is frequently described in the Gospel of John as the "disciple whom Jesus loved," highlighting his unique closeness to Christ. He was present at key events, such as the Last Supper, where he is depicted reclining near Jesus.
Role at the Crucifixion:
John was the only apostle who stood at the foot of the cross during Jesus' crucifixion. Jesus entrusted John with the care of His mother, Mary, saying, “Behold your mother” (John 19:27).
Authorship:
John is traditionally credited with writing:
The Gospel of John, which emphasizes Jesus' divinity.
The Three Epistles of John (1 John, 2 John, 3 John), focusing on themes of love and truth.
The Book of Revelation, a prophetic vision of the end times and Christ's ultimate victory.
Witness to the Resurrection:
John was one of the first apostles to visit Jesus’ empty tomb after the resurrection. Along with Peter, he ran to the tomb and believed in the resurrection upon seeing it (John 20:4-8).
Longevity:
Unlike most apostles who died as martyrs, John is believed to have lived to an old age and died peacefully in Ephesus. Tradition holds that he survived being boiled in oil, emphasizing God's protection over him.
Symbolism:
John is often represented with an eagle, symbolizing the soaring and spiritual nature of his Gospel.
KEY THEMES IN JOHN'S WRITINGS:
Love: John's writings emphasize God's love for humanity and the command for believers to love one another (e.g., John 3:16; 1 John 4:7-8).
Divinity of Christ: He highlights Jesus as the eternal Word of God made flesh (John 1:1-14).
Truth and Light: His writings often contrast light and darkness, truth and lies, reflecting his spiritual insights.
Saint John the Beloved is a model of faith, love, and loyalty to Jesus, making him an enduring figure in Christian tradition.
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