Liturgical Calendar

Saint of the day

Saint John the Apostle (1st century)

Saint John, a fisherman, was one of the first Apostles. Jesus chose him and his brother, James. Jesus “saw two other brothers . . . in their boat with their father Zebedee, getting their nets ready. Jesus called them, and at once they left the boat and their father, and went with him” (Matthew 4:21–22). John witnessed and participated in Jesus’ ministry. He may also have been the "beloved disciple" mentioned in Saint John’s Gospel, but this is unclear. If so, he was also at the foot of the cross with Mary when Jesus told his mother that John would take care of her from then on. “Jesus saw his mother and the disciple he loved standing there; so he said to his mother, ‘He is your son’” (John 19:26). Tradition tells us that John’s teachings about the Good News to the early Church are the source of the Gospel of John. John is called the Evangelist because to evangelize means to “spread the Good News.” An important part of John’s message is Jesus’ promise to send the Holy Spirit. John calls the Spirit an "Advocate," a helper and supporter who “will teach you everything and make you remember all that I have told you” (John 14:26, NRSV). You will notice that John’s Gospel spends more time reflecting on the meaning of Jesus’ words and actions rather than describing them. You may recognize the following Scripture passage: “For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life” (John 3:16). John the Evangelist’s message is that we love God and love one another. (Taken from "The Catholic Connections Handbook for Middleschoolers.")

Reflection

Reflect on the light and joy you bring to others during the holidays. What light and joy do others bring to you? Jesus said in John’s Gospel, “I am the light of the world” (8:12). How has Jesus been light to you? He also said that “whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life” (8:12). What does the “light of life” mean to you? (Taken from “Take Ten: Daily Bible Reflections for Teens.”)

Prayer

Christ, my light, give me the vision to see you in the difficult times of my life. Enable me to be a light to others and to inspire them to follow you as Saint John did. (Taken from “Take Ten: Daily Bible Reflections for Teens.”)

Meditations

Meditation for Reading 1

How absolutely unbelievable, how incredible, how unfathomable! John wants his readers to truly understand just how amazing it is that Jesus Christ, the long-awaited Messiah, for whom the Jewish people had been waiting for centuries and the whole created world since the Fall - walked, talked, ate, drank, in the presence of the people to whom John is writing. This is no small matter - the King of the Universe, the Son of God - interacted with John and his community. Just think - the long-awaited Messiah, the King of the Universe, the Son of God, the Trinity Incarnate - has humbled Himself to such a point that we are now able to receive His Body and Blood in the Eucharist. We should demonstrate the same amazement at the presence of God in our midst as John does in this letter!