JOHN SAW AND EXPERIENCED JESUS
(A biblical reflection on the Feast of St. John, Apostle and Evangelist – 27 December 2012)
First Reading: 1Jn 1:1-4
Psalms: Ps 97:1-2,5-6.11-12; Gospel Reading: Jn 20:2-8
The Scripture Text
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, concerning the word of life – the life was made manifest, and we saw it, and testify to it, and proclaim to you the eternal life which was with the Father and was made manifest to us – that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you may have fellowship with us; and our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And we are writing this that our joy may be complete. (1Jn 1:1-4 RSV)
Every day, we live within the framework of the Church Calendar, yet we rarely give it much thought. Nevertheless, it can offer precious insights into the Christian life. Today serves as a good example: We celebrate the feast of St. John, by long tradition, considered to be “the disciple whom Jesus loved” (Jn 21:20) and the author of the Fourth Gospel as well as the epistles bearing his name. According to early Christian legend, John cared for the Virgin Mary until her assumption and thereafter lived a long life, dying at a very old age.
What a contrast to Stephen, commemorated yesterday, who was brutally stoned to death (see Acts 7:54-60)! These two disciples held very little in common, except for this: They both saw Jesus. In his final words, Stephen proclaimed the glorious reality of the risen Lord whom he saw “standing at the right hand of God” (Acts 7:56). John, on the other hand, testified to the historical aspect of the Incarnate Word: “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” (1Jn 1:1).
By putting these two witnesses side by side, the Church offers us a unique perspective on the reality of Jesus, crucified but risen; enthroned in heaven, yet living among us. Each in their own way, both men tells us: “The life was made manifest, and we saw it, and testify to it, and proclaim to you the eternal life which was with the Father” (1Jn 1:2).
It is our privilege and challenge to deepen this reality in our lives, Stephen and John were no different from us; they simply opened their lives to the Lord. Such witnesses can spur us on to experience the same revelation of Christ, to share the same complete joy. Whatever circumstance that God has placed us in – suffering or peace – the many diverse witnesses to Jesus exhort us daily: “That which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you may have fellowship with us; and our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ” (1Jn 1:3).
Short Prayer: Lord Jesus, renew us by Your presence this day, that we may become living testaments to Your love. Thank you, Lord Jesus. Amen.