Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist

Saint John, one of the Twelve Apostles, was a close follower of Jesus. He is known for his deep love for Jesus and his important role in spreading the Gospel. As one of the four Gospel writers, he is also called an Evangelist. His writings in the New Testament include the Gospel of John, three letters, and the Book of Revelation.

John is often called the “Beloved Disciple.” This shows his special relationship with Jesus. He was present during key events, including the Last Supper and the Crucifixion. John was the only Apostle who stood by Jesus at the Cross, where Jesus asked him to care for Mary, His mother.

John had a long ministry in the early Church. He preached about Jesus’ message of love and truth. He worked to strengthen the faith of new Christians. Tradition says he lived in Ephesus and wrote his Gospel to help believers understand Jesus as the Son of God.

Saint John’s message of love is clear in his writings. He often speaks about light, truth, and love. His teachings encourage Christians to love one another, just as Jesus loves them. His life and writings still inspire Christians today.

John was born in Galilee, likely in the town of Bethsaida. He was the son of Zebedee, a fisherman, and his mother was Salome. John worked as a fisherman alongside his brother James. They were part of a fishing partnership that included Peter and Andrew, who were also among Jesus’ first disciples.

One day, as John and James were mending their nets by the Sea of Galilee, Jesus called out to them. He invited them to leave their work and follow Him. They immediately left their nets and joined Jesus. This moment marked the start of John’s journey as one of Jesus’ closest followers.

John was part of the inner circle of the Apostles, along with Peter and James. This meant he witnessed several special events, like the Transfiguration and the raising of Jairus’ daughter. He was present at these important moments because of his dedication and closeness to Jesus.

As an Apostle, John played an active role in sharing Jesus’ message. His love for Jesus was clear in everything he did. John’s early discipleship laid the foundation for his later work as an Evangelist and leader in the early Church.

John was called the “Beloved Disciple” because of his close friendship with Jesus. Among the Apostles, John held a unique place in Jesus’ heart. He often stayed by Jesus’ side and listened carefully to His words. This strong bond made John a witness to many important moments in Jesus’ ministry.

At the Last Supper, John sat next to Jesus. During the meal, John leaned on Jesus’ chest, showing the trust and love between them. When Jesus announced that one of the disciples would betray Him, it was John who quietly asked Jesus who it was. This event shows John’s close relationship with Jesus and his concern for Him.

John was also present at the Crucifixion. While most of the other disciples fled, John remained at the foot of the cross with Mary, Jesus’ mother. Jesus showed His love for both of them by entrusting Mary to John’s care. He told John to treat Mary as his own mother. This moment highlights the deep trust Jesus had in John.

John’s title as the “Beloved Disciple” is not just about personal affection. It represents the love that all believers are called to have for Jesus. John’s example of loyalty, care, and closeness to Jesus encourages Christians to build a strong and loving relationship with Christ.

John was the only Apostle who stayed near Jesus during the Crucifixion. While others fled in fear, John stood by the cross with Mary, the mother of Jesus, and a few other women. His presence during this difficult time showed his loyalty and courage. He did not leave, even when the situation was dangerous.

As Jesus was dying, He spoke to both John and Mary. Jesus looked at His mother and then at John. He told Mary to consider John as her son. He then told John to take Mary as his mother. In this way, Jesus entrusted Mary to John’s care. John accepted this responsibility, showing his dedication to Jesus’ wishes.

From that moment on, John took Mary into his home. He cared for her as Jesus had asked. This act was not only a duty but also an honor. It showed John’s willingness to serve and protect someone so important to Jesus. He fulfilled this role with devotion and respect.

In this moment, John also represented the entire Church. By entrusting Mary to John, Jesus made her the spiritual mother of all believers, not just John alone. In this way, Mary becomes our mother, too. Through John, Jesus extended His love for Mary to the Church, making her a model of faith and a source of care for all followers of Christ.

John’s presence at the Crucifixion and his care for Mary remind us of the importance of standing firm in faith, even in challenging times. He teaches us about loyalty, love, and the importance of caring for others, especially those close to Jesus.

Saint John wrote several important parts of the New Testament. He is believed to be the author of the Gospel of John, three letters (1 John, 2 John, 3 John), and the Book of Revelation. His writings help us understand Jesus’ life, teachings, and the early Christian community. John’s works focus on love, truth, and the promise of eternal life.

John’s Gospel is different from the other three Gospels. It emphasizes who Jesus is, not just what He did. It opens with “the Word,” showing Jesus as God’s Son who became man. It highlights themes like light, love, and truth. The Gospel of John contains several well-known events, such as the wedding at Cana, the raising of Lazarus, and Jesus’ prayer at the Last Supper.

The three letters of John were written to early Christian communities. They teach about living in love and truth. The First Letter of John encourages believers to love one another, live in light, and keep away from sin. The Second and Third Letters are shorter but continue to stress the importance of truth and love. These letters remind Christians to stay faithful to what Jesus taught.

The Book of Revelation is the last book in the New Testament. It is filled with visions and symbols. John wrote it while he was on the island of Patmos. It describes the final victory of good over evil and offers hope to believers facing persecution. Revelation includes messages to seven churches and visions of Jesus’ return.

John’s writings have shaped Christian faith for centuries. His focus on love and truth offers guidance for living a faithful life. Through his Gospel, letters, and the Book of Revelation, we see the message of Jesus in a powerful way. John’s words invite believers to remain strong in their faith and hope in Christ.

After Jesus’ resurrection, John became an important leader in the early Church. He worked alongside Peter and the other Apostles, spreading Jesus’ message and guiding new believers. John was known for his strong faith and focus on love. He helped teach and strengthen the growing Christian communities.

John spent much of his later life in Ephesus, an important city in early Christianity. He continued to preach and teach there, helping the community grow in faith. Tradition says that he cared for Mary, the mother of Jesus, during this time, fulfilling Jesus’ command at the crucifixion. John’s presence in Ephesus helped establish the Church as a strong center of Christian faith.

During the reign of the Roman Emperor Domitian, John was exiled to the island of Patmos. It was here that he received the visions that became the Book of Revelation. Despite the hardships of exile, John remained faithful. He shared messages of hope and encouragement, reminding Christians to stay strong in the face of persecution.

John is believed to be the only Apostle who was not martyred. He lived to an old age and continued to teach about Jesus’ love and truth until his death. His later years were marked by simplicity and a deep love for the followers of Christ. He often repeated the command, “Love one another.”

The legacy of John’s ministry remains strong. His dedication to spreading the Gospel and guiding early Christians shaped the Church. His message of love and faithfulness continues to inspire Christians around the world. John’s life serves as a lasting example of commitment to Jesus and His teachings.

The feast day of Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist, is celebrated on December 27. It comes shortly after Christmas, highlighting his close connection to Jesus. This day remembers John’s role as one of the original Twelve Apostles and as the writer of a Gospel. Special Masses and prayers honor his life and work.

Saint John is considered the patron saint of love, loyalty, and friendships. His writings emphasize these themes, especially the commandment to love one another. People often pray to him when seeking guidance in loving relationships and in staying faithful to God. He is also seen as a protector of writers, theologians, and those who work to spread the Gospel.

Traditionally, one way of celebrating Saint John’s feast is by blessing wine. This tradition comes from a story where John drank poisoned wine but was unharmed, showing God’s protection over him. On this feast day, priests bless wine, which is then shared among families and friends as a symbol of faith and unity.

Special prayers to Saint John ask for his intercession to help Christians follow Jesus’ example. The prayers often focus on love, kindness, and the strength to remain true to God. People also pray for wisdom in understanding God’s word, just as John received and shared insights through his Gospel and other writings.

Saint John’s feast day is an opportunity to reflect on love and commitment to Jesus. By honoring Saint John, believers are reminded to share the love of Christ with others and to remain faithful in their lives. His feast encourages Christians to live out the Gospel, just as John did in his own life.

Word on Fire: The New Light of Creation

Bishop Robert Barron reflects on St. John the Apostle as both a spiritual and literary master, particularly evident in his Gospel’s account of the resurrected Jesus. In John’s Gospel, the events of Easter Sunday are framed as the dawn of a new creation. Just as God declared, “Let there be light” on the first day of creation, Easter marks the return of Jesus, the light of the world, from the dead. This moment signals a recreation of everything, changing the course of human history.

The passage highlights that Easter is more than an event; it is the foundation of Christian faith. With Christ’s resurrection, the world is renewed, and hope is restored. St. John captures this reality in his Gospel, inviting readers to see the resurrection as the ultimate victory of light over darkness and life over death, echoing the beginning of creation itself.

Order of Preachers: First in Line

Maria Curtis reflects on the Gospel story of St. John and St. Peter racing to the tomb, focusing on the idea of being “first in line.” While John reached the tomb first, he allowed Peter to enter first out of respect for his leadership, demonstrating humility and love over self-promotion. This moment encapsulates their shared devotion to Jesus and the bewildering emotions they felt—fear, sorrow, and hope—at finding the tomb empty. Their love for Christ propelled them forward, just as our love for Him should inspire us to seek Him every day.

Curtis reminds us that being “first” doesn’t mean self-centered ambition but can mean stepping up to share the Gospel in a world often in despair. Proclaiming Jesus’ love and salvation is our calling, not just to those we find easy to love, but also to those who challenge us. Like John and Peter, love compels us to run—not walk—toward Christ and His mission.

USCCB Reflection: The Charism of Love in Saint John

Fr. John McKenzie reflects on Saint John the Apostle’s deep relationship with Jesus and his unique role in the Church. John, known as the Apostle, Evangelist, and Theologian, demonstrates a love rooted in purity and faithfulness, which allowed him to understand Jesus in a deeper way. This love was not for his own sake but to reveal Jesus more fully to the world. John’s respect for Peter’s authority, seen in the Gospel account of the empty tomb, underscores his humility and recognition of the roles Christ established within the Church.

John’s life exemplifies love and devotion to Christ and Mary, whom he cared for after Jesus’ death. In his later years, John emphasized the importance of love as the core of Christian life, reminding his followers to love one another because love reflects Christ’s mission. His legacy teaches that a life of faith and service always leads back to sharing Jesus with others.

Dynamic Catholic: A Sign of Respect

Matthew Kelly reflects on the Gospel of John’s account of Peter and John running to the tomb on Easter morning. Although John arrives first, he waits respectfully for Peter, honoring his role as the leader of the apostles. This moment of humility and deference, subtle yet meaningful, highlights the mutual respect and awareness of each disciple’s role within the early Church. It reminds us of the importance of acknowledging and honoring others in their unique callings and responsibilities.

Kelly encourages listeners to reflect on the word, phrase, or idea that speaks to them from the Gospel and to carry it throughout their day. Whether it is the humility of John or another insight from the passage, these moments of reflection can help us grow in faith and awareness of God’s presence. By pausing to focus on these spiritual stirrings, we can deepen our connection to the Gospel and live it more fully.

Reflection: Following Saint John’s Example of Love and Faith

Saint John’s life teaches us about love, courage, and loyalty. As the “Beloved Disciple,” John was close to Jesus, showing a deep love that we are also called to have. He listened to Jesus, followed Him, and stayed near Him in difficult times. This reminds us that a personal relationship with Jesus should be at the center of our lives. Like John, we can deepen our faith by spending time with Jesus in prayer and reflecting on His words.

John the Apostle stood by Jesus during the Crucifixion, even when others ran away. This shows his courage and commitment. It is a powerful example of staying faithful, especially when things are difficult. We are also called to stand firm in our faith, even when faced with challenges. Like John, we must trust Jesus and not let fear stop us from following Him.

In his writings, John emphasized love. He taught that God is love and that we must love one another. This message is still important for us today. In our families, workplaces, and communities, showing love and kindness is a way to live out John’s teachings. By loving others, we can bring peace and understanding, which are much needed in the world.

John’s life also shows us the importance of sharing our faith. As an Evangelist, he wrote a Gospel and other writings that guide believers. We can follow his example by sharing our faith with those around us. Whether through words, actions, or kindness, we are called to be witnesses of Jesus, just like John.

Reflection Questions

• How can I grow closer to Jesus in my daily life?
• In what ways can I show courage and faith like John did?
• How can I share God’s love with others around me?
• What can I do to share my faith more openly?