This is John, who at supper rested his head on the Lord's breast; blessed is the apostle to whom the heavenly mysteries were revealed and who proclaimed the words of life throughout the world.

This is John, who at supper rested his head on the Lord's breast; blessed is the apostle to whom the heavenly mysteries were revealed and who proclaimed the words of life throughout the world.

John, son of Zebedee and brother of James, was one of the first to be called by Jesus to form part of the group of the twelve apostles. He is credited with writing the fourth Gospel, which delves into the mystery of the incarnate Word, and three letters. As we celebrate his feast, let us renew our commitment to be faithful to Jesus and his teachings.

First Reading: 1 John 1:1-4

Beginning of the first letter of Saint John – Beloved, 1That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and touched with our hands, of the Word of Life—2For the Life was manifested, and we have seen it, and are witnesses, and proclaim to you the eternal Life, which was with the Father and was made visible to us—3and we proclaim to you that which we have seen and heard, so that you may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 4We write these things to you so that our joy may be complete. – The Word of the Lord.

Responsorial Psalm: 96(97)

Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous!

1. God is king! Let the earth rejoice, / and let the many islands be glad! / Darkness and clouds surround his throne, / which is founded on justice and righteousness. – R.

2. The mountains melt like wax / before the face of the Lord of all the earth; / so the heavens proclaim his justice, / all peoples may see his glory. – R.

3. Light has risen for the righteous, / and joy for the upright in heart. / Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous men, / praise and bless his holy name! – R.

Gospel: John 20:2-8

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

To you, O God, we give praise, to you, O Lord, we sing; / the army of your holy martyrs praises you! – R.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John – On the first day of the week, 2Mary Magdalene ran to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have put him.” 3Then Peter and the other disciple went to the tomb. 4They both ran together, but the other disciple outstripped Peter and reached the tomb first. 5Looking in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. 6Simon Peter also came running after him and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, 7and the cloth that had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen cloths but rolled up in a place by itself. 8Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in. He saw and believed. – The Word of the Savior.

Reflection:

Represented by an eagle that reaches dizzying heights and flies toward the sun, Saint John is known as the evangelist who rose the highest in contemplation of the mysteries of God. Son of Zebedee and brother of James, tradition presents him as “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” He and his brother James were nicknamed “sons of thunder” by Jesus (Mk 3:17), perhaps indicating their fiery and impetuous character. John witnessed cures performed by Jesus and, together with Peter and James, contemplated the transfiguration of Jesus and his agony in the Garden of Olives. He is the only disciple present at the foot of the cross next to Mary. With Peter, he saw the empty tomb and believed in the resurrection of the Lord. He is considered the author of the fourth Gospel, in which he reveals his deep friendship with the Master.

(Day by Day with the Gospel 2024)