December 27, St. John the Apostle, Pray for us
Today is the Feast day of St. John the Apostle, who is also known as St. John the Evangelist and the Beloved Disciple. It does not matter which title you use, although I have to admit that it seems a little cheesy to me for John to refer to himself as “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” Anyway, he is thoroughly rooted in the divinity and human of Christ. Both are beautifully described and meditated upon throughout his Gospel and Epistles.
Many people like to say that John is their favorite Gospel. I wonder whether it is due to its mystical and poetic style, it is both heavenly and earthly or if it is because Jesus does most of the speaking. I don’t know. While it is clear that the Gospel is a text inspired by the Holy Spirit, John still must have had a great deal of writing talent to compose such great works.
It is assumed that he is the last Apostle who died and that he died of natural causes, not as a martyr as his fellow apostles did. The symbol that is used to describe his Gospel is the Eagle, because in his Gospel, he carries the reader and listener to the loftiest heights of the mystery of God.
God our Father, you have revealed the mysteries of your Word through John the Apostle. By prayer and reflection may we come to undersand the wisdom he taught. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God forever and ever. Amen.
