Saint John, Apostle, Evangelist - Feast 


1 John 1:1-4

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

John 20:2-8


St. John the Evangelist, called the beloved disciple, was a Galilean, son of Zebedee and Salome, and brother of St. James the Great, both fishermen. Though initially a disciple of John the Baptist, he and James were called by Christ while mending their nets. Christ renamed them Boanerges, or sons of thunder, symbolizing their bold faith in proclaiming God's law. John was faithful and loved by Jesus, especially in his last days when Jesus entrusted Mary to him. His love for God and neighbor inspired him to preach and teach charity and innocence.


To love God, we must subdue passions and reject worldly attachments, for a soul chained to earth cannot elevate to God. Devotion, prayer, and meditation strengthen our bond with God and protect our neighbors from spiritual harm. Let us love God, for God is love. 

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