Today we celebrate the feast of Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist. He was one of the 3 intimate disciples of Jesus along with Peter and James (Mt 17:1, 26:37). At the cross, Jesus entrusted Mary his mother to Saint John who was known as the disciple whom Jesus loved (Jn 19:26-27). Today’s first reading refers to Jesus as the “the word of life” who existed from the beginning as the second member of the Holy Trinity. Jesus came into the world to be touched by human hands, gazed upon by human eyes and to give us eternal life. Today’s Gospel proclamation invites us to believe in the resurrected Christ just as Saint John did upon reaching the empty tomb and observing the burial cloth left behind. The First Reading and the Gospel proclamation beautifully unlock the hidden treasures of God’s word. As we reflect upon the life of this great apostle, let us ask God to give us the grace to be open to the deeper truths of the Word. Let us imitate Saint John and grow in our love for the Lord.

Prayer: Abba Father, give us your grace to hold on to your Word. Amen.