(27th December)
The Apostle John is traditionally considered the author of the Gospel, of the three New Testament letters and the Book of Revelation. He is one of the sons of Zebedee. St. John and his brother, St. James the Greater, were given the nickname “Sons of Thunder” by Jesus Himself. St. John is known as “the disciple whom Jesus loved” or “John the Beloved.” His Gospel is a very personal account. He sees the glorious and divine Jesus already in the incidents of his mortal life. His symbol is an eagle (for far-sightedness, or vision). He is sometimes called ‘John the Divine’. John wrote his gospel to convince people that Jesus is the Messiah, but his Gospel also strengthens the faith of those who already know that Jesus is the Messiah.
LESSONS TO LEARN FROM ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST:
1. True Friendship and Devotion
St. John is a model of true friendship and devotion to Our Lord. From what is revealed in Sacred Scripture, we know that John was present at key events in Jesus’ life, including the Transfiguration, the Institution of the Eucharist, the Lord’s Crucifixion, and the discovery of the Resurrection. It is said that John “reclined at the bosom of the Lord” during the Last Supper. And it was John who had the courage to ask Jesus who His betrayer would be.
2. True Humility
We can also learn humility from St. John. We glimpse this humility after the Resurrection. John was with Peter when Mary Magdalen told them of the empty tomb. Both John and Peter ran to the tomb, but John ran faster, for he was younger. However, upon arriving at the tomb, John waited outside for Peter and only then followed him into the empty room where Jesus had been laid. It is clear that John acted in humility and respect. He allowed Peter whom Christ had chosen to be leader of the Apostles to enter first.
3. Holy Confidence
Finally, we can learn holy confidence from St. John, for he was the first one to recognize the Risen Lord at Lake Tiberias (John 21:1-8). John listens to Jesus, has confidence in Jesus, does as He commands and this trust and confidence bears abundant fish.