Homily (Reflection) for the Feast of Saint
John, Apostle and Evangelist (27th December)
(Octave of Christmas) on the Gospel
and the Feast
1Jn 1:1-4;
Ps 96:1-2.5-6.11-12. (R. v. 12);Jn 20:2-8.
Saint John the Apostle was son of Zebedee and Salome, and one
of the Twelve Apostles. He was called to be an Apostle by our Lord in the first
year of His public ministry. Saint John is considered the same person as John
the Evangelist, John of Patmos and the Beloved Disciple. Saint James the Great
was his elder brother. Jesus referred to the duo as “Boanerges,” (sons of
thunder). He is believed to be the longest living apostle and the only not to
die a martyr's death. John was the only one of the Twelve Apostles who did not
forsake the Saviour in the hour of His Passion and He made him the guardian of
His Mother at the foot of the cross. After the Assumption of Mary, he went to
Ephesus. He was later banished to the Greek Island of Patmos. John is known as
the author of the Gospel of John and four other books in the New Testament -
the three Epistles of John and the Book of Revelation. He died in Ephesus after
AD 98 and is the patron saint of love, loyalty, friendships, and authors.[1]
Topic: ...he saw and believed (Jn 20:8).
In today’s gospel pericope, Mary Magdalene ran to Peter and
John and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we did
not know where they have laid him.” The duo set out for the tomb. Although John
outran Peter, Peter first entered the tomb. John later entered the tomb. He saw
and believed.
While discussing with Nicodemus, Jesus said, “Very truly, I
tell you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen; yet you do
not receive our testimony” (Jn 3:11).
And in his first letter, Saint John wrote,
We declare to you ... what we have heard, what we have seen
with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning
the word of life – this life was revealed, and we have seen it and testify to
it ...so that you also may have fellowship ...with the Father and with his Son
Jesus Christ (1Jn 1:1-3).
Saint John testified that “the Father has sent his Son as the
Saviour of the world” (1Jn 4:14).
And only those who received Him, who believed in His name, He gave power to
become children of God, cf. Jn 1:12.
Let no one wait to see before he/she believes because, “Blessed are those who
have not seen and yet believe” (Jn 20:29).
Bible
Reading: Jn 20:25-29; 1Jn 4:7-12.
Thought for today: ...the Word became flesh and dwelt among us (Jn 1:14).
Let us pray: God, open our eyes to see your Son who
dwells among us – Amen (cf. Jn 1:14).
Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist – pray for us.
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