In the Spirit of St. John the Apostle and Evangelist
As we commemorate the Feast of St. John the Apostle and Evangelist, the readings from Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) 15:1-6 and John 21:19-24 offer profound insights into the life of discipleship and the intimacy of a soul united with Christ. Both passages, in their unique ways, unveil the wisdom, love, and mission of the beloved disciple, serving as a model for every Christian who seeks to remain steadfast in the love of God.
Ecclesiasticus 15:1-6: A Path of Wisdom and Peace
The first reading from Ecclesiasticus extols the blessings of those who fear the Lord and abide by His commandments. It presents an image of divine wisdom as a mother and a spouse, nurturing and guiding the soul that clings to God.
“He that feareth the Lord shall do good: and he that possesseth justice, shall lay hold on her” (Ecclus 15:1).
Here, we see the interplay of divine grace and human cooperation. The soul that fears the Lord is not paralyzed by servile dread but moved to active love and reverence. Such a person does not merely avoid sin but actively seeks justice, taking hold of Wisdom, who is none other than the eternal Logos—Christ Himself. This passage reminds us that holiness is not abstract but relational. It is a covenantal embrace where God gives His wisdom to the soul that seeks Him.
The promises to the wise and just are magnificent: joy, abundance, and “the crown of rejoicing.” The imagery of a crown reminds us of the victory that comes through perseverance in virtue, echoing the life of St. John, who was crowned not by martyrdom but by a lifelong witness of fidelity to Christ. His reward was the peace of one who leaned upon the Savior’s heart, drinking deeply of the wisdom that surpasses all understanding.
John 21:19-24: The Beloved Disciple and the Call to Follow
In the Gospel reading, we are drawn into the intimate and mysterious encounter between Christ and Peter after the Resurrection. As Jesus foretells Peter’s martyrdom, Peter, in turn, glances at John and asks, “Lord, and what shall this man do?” (John 21:21).
Jesus responds, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is it to thee? Follow thou Me” (John 21:22).
This dialogue is rich with layers of meaning. First, it highlights the personal nature of discipleship. Each soul has a unique path to follow, marked by its own crosses and glories. Peter is called to a martyr’s death, while John is called to live and bear witness until the end of his earthly life. Both paths glorify God, for both are rooted in obedience and love.
John’s role as the beloved disciple is not a privilege of favoritism but a sign of his singular intimacy with Christ. He stands as a model of contemplative love, representing the Church’s mystical vocation. While Peter represents authority and action, John embodies prayer and insight. Together, they remind us that the Church thrives on both the active and contemplative life, united in service to the divine will.
Lessons from St. John’s Witness
- Intimacy with Christ: St. John teaches us the necessity of staying close to Christ, both in the Eucharist and in prayer. As he leaned upon the breast of the Savior at the Last Supper, so too must we rest in the Sacred Heart, drawing strength and wisdom for our daily lives.
- Faithful Witness: John’s life was a testimony to unwavering fidelity. From the foot of the Cross to the writing of his Gospel and Epistles, he proclaimed the truth of Christ with clarity and love. This is our call as well: to witness boldly to the truth in a world often hostile to the Gospel.
- Union of Action and Contemplation: John’s vocation reminds us that the interior life must fuel our actions. Like him, we are called to balance moments of silent adoration with active service to the Church and our neighbor.
Conclusion
As we reflect on these readings and the life of St. John, we are invited to embrace our own calling with courage and love. Whether we are called to acts of great sacrifice like Peter or to a quiet and steadfast witness like John, the ultimate goal remains the same: to follow Christ and glorify Him in all that we do.
St. John the Apostle, beloved disciple and faithful witness, pray for us, that we may walk in wisdom, remain in love, and persevere unto life everlasting. Amen.