(Saint John’s feast is celebrated on December 27th, but liturgically this year gives way to Feast of the Holy Family on the first Sunday after Christmas)
Scripture
John 20:2-8 She went running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and told them, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don't know where they have put him!” Then Peter and the other disciple went to the tomb. The two of them were running, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent over and saw the linen cloths, but he did not go in. Behind him came Simon Peter, and he went straight into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there and the cloth which had been around Jesus' head. It was not lying with the linen cloths but was rolled up by itself. Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in; he saw and believed. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Reflection Saint John, who was able to outrun Peter on their way to the empty tomb, is called, "the beloved disciple" in the Gospel. He was a Galilean, son of Zebedee and brother to Saint James the Greater, both of whom were fishermen. They were called by Jesus to be disciples as they were mending their nets by the Sea of Galilee. Fast forward and we see he was the only one of the apostles who did not forsake Jesus in the final hours of his Passion, and it was to him Jesus entrusted the care of his Holy Mother as He hung dying on the Cross. John was a believer, an apostle, and an Evangelist, the writer of the fourth Gospel, three Epistles and the Book of Revelation. He wrote down his experience, what he had heard and what he had seen as he followed Jesus. He wanted to share his Joy in knowing Jesus and enable other people to experience that Joy. St. Jerome relates that when St John, as a result of age and weakness, was no longer able to preach to the people, he would be carried to the assembly of the faithful by his disciples, with great difficulty; and every time said to his flock only these words: "My dear children, love one another." ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Prayer Loving God, today as we recall the life and work of Saint John the Evangelist, help us to see the urgency of our call to share the Good News of God’s love, in our families our parishes and the world. May we like Saint John learn how to run in search of you. By prayer and reflection may we come to understand the wisdom Saint John taught. May our lives show that we take to heart the words of Saint John ‘My dear children, love one another’ Amen ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Music Today we have reflected on the connections between the child who was born in a stable and the Risen Christ witnessed by Saint John the Apostle. Our musical reflection today is For unto us a Child is born from Messiah by Handel. |