St. John the Evangelist: The Apostle of Love.


Homily for 26th December 2019. Read 1st John 1:1-4, Psalm 97 and John 20:2-8.


_“Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. So she ran, and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved.” *(John 20:1-2)*_

Yesterday, we celebrated the heavenly birthday of a man whose very life teaches us what it means to love as Jesus loved. Today, we are celebrating St. John the Apostle, the one to whom Jesus handed over his Mother while he was dying on the Cross.

The life of St. John the Apostle speaks a compelling truth: that Jesus Christ took our human flesh; that He had close friends; that He loved with human feelings.

John had a close and personal relationship with Jesus. When he wrote his letter as contained in today’s first reading, John aimed to prove that Jesus was not simply a figment of imagination but “that which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon and touched with our hands…”

John ran faster than Peter to the tomb not because he was younger, but out of a feeling of love and devotion to a dear friend. John gave an eye-witness account of the resurrection and concluded by declaring his faith: “he saw and believed.”

Now, where does all these lead to? As part of our Christmas celebrations, the story of John the beloved draws us to open our hearts to love Jesus as a friend and brother.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, make me open my heart to you just like John did. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Feast of St. John the Apostle. Bible Study: 1st John 1:1-4, Psalm 97 and John 20:2-8).

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