Saint John, Apostle, Evangelist - Feast


1 John 1:1-4

Psalm 96(97):1-2,5-6,11-12

John 20:2-8



Beloved let us love God and love one another. 




St. John the Evangelist, traditionally identified as the beloved disciple of Christ, hails from Galilee as the progeny of Zebedee and Salome. He is the younger sibling of St. James the Greater. Both were engaged in their familial vocation of fishing when they were summoned to follow Jesus, having initially been disciples of John the Baptist. 



In a notable biblical moment, Christ bestowed upon John and James the appellation "Boanerges," translating to "sons of thunder." This designation reflects the fervency and assertiveness with which they disseminated God's word, demonstrating an unwavering resolve in the face of opposition. John particularly exemplifies this moniker through his profound declaration of Christ's divine mysteries, establishing him as a pivotal figure in theological discourse.



Chronologically, John is regarded as the youngest apostle, illustrating a unique position among his peers. He enjoys several privileges, including a deep personal connection with Jesus, who entrusted the care of His mother to John during His crucifixion—a testament to the profound trust and affection intertwined in their relationship.



The intense love John possessed for Christ, which he fervently reciprocated from Christ’s divine essence, catalyzed a rich and transformative charity towards humanity. Central to John's teachings is the notion that without the paramount love of God, one cannot aspire to please Him. His intrinsic purity of heart and simplicity have been linked to his spiritual longevity and the apocalyptic revelations he experienced.



John’s theological framework emphasizes that true spiritual life begins with acknowledging God’s preeminent love, urging believers to cultivate sincere love for their neighbors in conjunction. He advocates for a dualistic approach to charity—extending love towards both God and humanity for Christ's sake. 



Moreover, John challenges adherents to subdue their passions and relinquish excessive attachments to worldly matters, suggesting that a heart ensnared by earthly desires cannot ascend to divine communion. This distraction is regarded as particularly insidious, as it can profoundly alienate a soul from God. 


Finally, John encourages devoted individuals to enrich their private meditations and prayers, fostering a deeper intimacy with the divine. This devotion not only nurtures their spiritual growth but also serves to fortify the pious disposition of their neighbors, safeguarding them from spiritual peril. 




Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Image
  ST. BARTHOLOMEW, APOSTLES, FEAST   Apocalypse 21:9-14 Psalm 144(145):10-13a,17-18 John 1:45-51 COME TO JESUS  Today's readings emphasize the significance of heaven. We must stay focused on the ultimate prize, just as Bartholomew did when he sought spiritual enlightenment under the fig tree. When Philip introduced him to the Messiah from Nazareth, Bartholomew initially questioned whether anything good could come from Nazareth. However, after encountering Christ, he recognized Him as the Son of God. Bartholomew made the wisest decision of his life by coming to Jesus. As it says in Psalms 145, "The Lord is near to all who call upon Him." Our prayer life can be as simple as coming to Jesus and seeking Him for rest, as stated in Matthew 11:28. Let us also have a deep desire to draw closer to Jesus and focus on the things above where Christ is. Amen. N. B. Pray for me as I celebrate my birthday today. Thank you and God bless. 
Read more
Image
  Saints Charles Lwanga and his Companions, Martyrs   2 Peter 1:2-7 Psalm 90(91):1-2,14-16 Mark 12:1-12 LAY DOWN YOUR LIVES FOR CHRIST  Today's gospel features Jesus addressing the scribes, chief priests, and elders. They witness the behavior of the tenant farmers in a parable, which mirrors their violence, selfishness, and desire for possession. Despite being confronted with the truth, they are too afraid to change and miss the opportunity for a conversion of heart. Instead, they react defensively and deceive themselves, eventually acting out the negative roles depicted in the parable.  The Church commemorates the Martyrs of Uganda today, particularly St. Charles Lwanga and their companions, who bore witness to Christ by sacrificing their lives. This serves as a reminder for us to be faithful stewards of God's creation and caretakers of His people, willing to serve with love and faith, even to the point of laying down our lives.
Read more
Image
  Monday of week 13 in Ordinary Time   Amos 2:6-10,​13-16 Psalm 49(50):16-23 Matthew 8:18-22 THE COST OF TRUE DISCIPLESHIP  Dearly beloved in Christ, as we embark on a new month and continue to journey through life, It is important to keep in mind the message in today's Gospel. The brief exchanges between Jesus and the two potential disciples remind us of the challenges of true discipleship. The stories of the teacher of the law and the man wanting to bury his father emphasize the commitment and sacrifices required to follow Jesus. We see that true discipleship involves a wholehearted dedication to living a life modeled after Jesus. When we think about the earlier experiences of other followers like Peter and Andrew, we are reminded that becoming a disciple may require us to let go of our old ways and follow Jesus without hesitation. It is not always easy, and Jesus does not ask us to calculate the costs or tie up all our loose ends. Instead, He simply invites us to "Foll...
Read more