27 December 2019
Feast of Saint John, Apostle and evangelist
Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. John, Apostle and evangelist. St. John is described as the “disciple whom Jesus loved.” He is also the one who during the Last Supper, rests his head against the Christ’s chest (John 13:25). This tender moment shows the closeness that the beloved disciple had with Jesus. He knew the Lord’s heart.
Perhaps that’s why St. John’s gospel offers us such a unique perspective on who Jesus is. Only in his narrative do we find the Bread of Life discourse, the raising of Lazarus, the washing of the feet, and Christ’s prayer for his follower to be one as He is one with the Father.
In today’s Gospel, we hear about how John comes to see and believe in the Risen Lord. The heart upon which he rested his head lives on. And thanks to John’s writing, we are that much closer to the living, beating heart of our Lord.