Greetings on this the Feast of Saint John, Apostle and evangelist
Readings: 1 Jn 1:1-4; Ps 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12; Jn 20:1a and 2-8
Summary
Today we celebrate the Feast of Saint John, Apostle and evangelist. Along with this gospel we will read from the First Letter of John for the next eleven of fifteen days. In other words, since Christmas the first reading is mostly from this letter with exceptions of the Stephen’s martyrdom, Solemnities of the Blessed Mother, the Epiphany and the Baptism of the Lord.
First Letter of John
- Our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.
- Jesus Christ the righteous one. He is expiation for our sins, and not for our sins only but for those of the whole world.
- I am writing to you, children, because your sins have been forgiven for his name’s sake.
- You have the anointing that comes from the Holy One, and you all have knowledge.
- Whoever confesses the Son has the Father as well.
- See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God.
- No one who fails to act in righteousness belongs to God, nor anyone who does not love his brother.
- And his commandment is this: we should believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another just as he commanded us.
- Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God; everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God.
- Moreover, we have seen and testify that the Father sent his Son as savior of the world. Whoever acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God remains in him and he in God. This is the one who came through water and Blood, Jesus Christ, not by water alone, but by water and Blood.
- Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is begotten by God, and everyone who loves the Father loves also the one begotten by him.
The gospel readings if we include Christmas daytime would be read seven times.
The Gospel of John
- Christmas Daytime – In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
- Feast of Saint John, Apostle and evangelist – On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we do not know where they put him.”
- The Seventh Day in the Octave of Christmas – And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only-begotten Son, full of grace and truth.
- Memorial of Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, Bishops and Doctors of the Church – John answered them, “I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.”
- Christmas Weekday – John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.
- Memorial of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Religious – He first found his own brother Simon and told him, “We have found the Messiah,” which is translated Christ. Then he brought him to Jesus.
- Saturday after Epiphany – The one who has the bride is the bridegroom; the best man, who stands and listens for him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. So this joy of mine has been made complete. He must increase; I must decrease.”
The gospel portions of John can be given a short theological theme to be retained. The selections from the First Letter of John were written to refute the development of a variety of heresies (misunderstandings) that developed. I picked out portions between 1 John and the gospel of John that correspond. If I spent more time I could refine this quite nicely to be near images of each other. But that isn’t necessary, nor desirable. For the foundation of the letter is to affirm the theology but the theology of Love first of all.
Theology of John
- The Word (Jesus) was from the beginning (co-eternal, full revelation of Divinity).
- Jesus died and was resurrected.
- Jesus is the Incarnate (true man) Son of God (true God) – hypostatic union.
- Baptism by John is superseded by the baptism of Jesus in water and spirit.
- Jesus is the Lamb of God (the sacrificial portion, expiation).
- Jesus is the Messiah (anointed).
- Jesus is the Bridegroom. We are the bride. Marriage of Heaven and Earth.
Reflection
What is necessary? Love.
When we encounter the First Letter of John we would do well to reaffirm our Christian faith and the expression of our theology. The school of Johannine Christianity brings an elevated understanding of the divine presence and the foundational love that brings the divine logic to the center.
Consider then the encounter of Mary Magdalene and Simon Peter. Jesus is missing! But we know the story. He isn’t missing he is resurrected. The Incarnation and the Resurrection are the bookends of the story of Jesus. The promise and the fulfillment.
Personal Reflection
This week some of our readings are hard on the heart. Stephen was murdered. The Holy Innocents were murdered. Jesus went missing. But we can be sure the love that was from the beginning will overcome difficulty and death for us because you only need See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God.
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122724.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry