1 John 1:1-4, Ps. 97:1-2,5-6,11-12, John 20:2-8
The gospel often refers to John as the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, popularly called “John the Beloved.” His ministry started when he answered Christ’s call. The Bible says Jesus saw two brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets. He called them, immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him. Every call demands an absolute renunciation; we must learn to leave everything and follow Jesus. Is this possible? Yes it is! How? Reject Satan and all his empty promises.
Again, John and his brother, James the Greater, were nicknamed “Sons of Thunder” by Jesus. Why? Because of their thunder-like character. In Samaria when the message of Jesus was rejected, James and John wanted Jesus to call down fire from heaven on them (Luke 9:54). In another phase, they were rude and overly ambitious. They said to Jesus: “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you…Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” (Mark 10:35, 37).
However, John knew the path of Christ, sacrifice and the ways of true friendship. John kept vigil at the cross with the Blessed Virgin Mary. Jesus confided the care of His mother on John “Behold your Son…Behold your Mother” (John 19:26-27). He is a model of true friendship and devotion to our Lord. More so, he was present at the key events in the life of Jesus: The Transfiguration, the Institution of the Eucharist, the Lord’s Crucifixion, and as we have it in today’s gospel at the discovery of the Resurrection. Lastly, today’s gospel also makes us to understand that John is an example of humility. Both John and Peter ran to the tomb, but John outran Peter. But at the tomb John waited Peter to enter before him. Beloved, we must learn the ways of humility. St. John patron saint of love, loyalty, and friendship. Pray for us.
LET US PRAY
O God, who through the blessed Apostle John have unlocked for us the secrets of your Word, grant, we pray, that we may grasp with proper understanding what he has so marvelously brought to our ears. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen!
