Feast of Saint John, Apostle and evangelist

Today's Mass Readings

Today is the feast of John the evangelist. The first reading (1 John 1:5- 2:2), although named after John was probably written by a presbyter who belonged to John’s community. John’s community was radically faithful to the gospel message, but divisions were beginning to emerge. Some prominent people in the community had abandoned the community when their presence was most needed. Thus, the author is writing to the community and taking them back to the basics. That is why he begins with the words, “Beloved: What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we looked upon and touched with our hands concerns the Word of life…” The rest of the letter will talk about, “walking in the light” (1 Jn 1:7), keeping God’s commandments (1 Jn 2: 3), avoiding lawlessness (1 Jn 3: 4), living in Christian love (1 Jn 3:11), discernment of spirits (1 Jn 4: 2), and suggesting that one can be victorious in if one persists in faith (1 Jn 5: 4).

John's own steadfast faith came from his personal faith journey with Jesus as an apostle and a disciple. In today's gospel reading, he along with Peter were the first ones to believe in the resurrection. His personal faith journey, then, keeps him faithful Christians even though many around him faltered.

It is just two days after Christmas and we might yet be in a spiritual high from all the liturgical and celebrations. But it is never the wrong time to be back to the basics. I prayer and in reflection let us to focus on our personal faith journey with Jesus. Let us too continue to walk in the light. Let us too live in Christian love. Let us renew our own faith in Christ and his Church.

- Fr. Satish Joseph