Kulandai Albert csc –
Readings: 1 Jn 1: 1-4; Jn 20: 1a, 2-8
Today, we celebrate the feast of St. John, the Apostle and Evangelist. The scripture sees him as a disciple who loved Jesus deeply. His deep love for Jesus made him to stand at the foot the cross of his master. The liturgy of the word invites us to introspect to know the depth of our love for Jesus. How intense is our love for Jesus? In the first reading, St. John says “we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete” (1 John 1:4). His love and joy of knowing Jesus was so great that he wanted to share it with others by writing the gospel and the letters.
Today’s gospel presents the beloved disciple as the perfect model for every disciple of Jesus. We read that Mary Magdalene saw the empty tomb, and Peter entered the tomb and saw the linen cloth. But both did not realize that Jesus rose to life. Whereas John entered the tomb and saw the same things and believed. In John 20:8, we read ‘the other disciple saw and believed’.
St. John’s authentic love for Jesus made him to believe instantly. He was fortunate to experience the depth of God’s love by being close to Jesus’ heart. He had the courage and love to stand near the cross of Jesus and to receive and accept Mary as his mother. In today’s world being a witness and having intense love for Christ is a pressing challenge. Though it is challenging we are invited to share with others what we have received. The faith that we have received from our parents and elders is to be shared with others. It is not something that is to be kept under the bushel.
Therefore, we need to share the good news of Jesus with others as John did. Our intense love for Jesus needs to be shown in our daily life. Through our life people may come to know who we are. Therefore, let us ask the Lord to help us to intensify our love for him and to recognize his loving presence in others.