1 John 1:1-4 / John 20:1a and 2-8

Today is the liturgical feast of the apostle and evangelist John, considered the "disciple that Jesus loved most", who was the brother of the apostle James the Greater.

In the symbolism of the four evangelists (inspired by the prophecy of Ezekiel and by the Revelations), John is identified with the eagle. (The others are: Matthew - winged man or angel, Mark - lion, and Luke - bull).

John and James the Greater, after Andrew and Simon Peter, were the first ones whom Jesus called to follow Him. They were fishermen and sons of Zebedee. They lived in Bethsaida, in Galilee.

John and James the Greater received from Jesus the nickname Boanerges, which means "sons of thunder", because of the strong and impactful personalities of the brothers.

The Tradition of the Church attributes five books of the Second Testament to John: the fourth Gospel, three apostolic letters and the Revelations. These five books are called the Johannine Liturature.

Today, the evangelist John tells us about his arrival at the tomb on the Sunday morning after the crucifixion, accompanied by Simon Peter.

It is beautiful to see the respect shown by the beloved disciple for the leader of the Church chosen directly by Jesus. Despite having arrived first at the tomb because he ran faster (those who love are in a hurry), John allowed Simon Peter to enter the place first.

It is also striking that, despite not having seen anything out of the ordinary, the beloved disciple believed in the resurrection. For him, the empty tomb was sufficient proof that the Crucified One was alive.

Some say: "If I do not see, I do not believe." But we must believe in order to see! Let us be like John, respecting the authorities of the Church and opening ourselves to the gift of faith in the resurrection, even without seeing anything.

Today, in his first letter, John testifies that Jesus is the Word of Life, who was with the Father and who became visible. John says that the apostles proclaim what they themselves saw and heard so that people may be in communion of faith with the Father, the Son and the Church, bringing their joy to fulfillment.

Let us do as John did, proclaiming to everyone with joy and conviction the truths of faith that we have learned from the Church.

Local: Springfield, MA, EUA

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