First reading 1 John 1:1-4
The Word, who is life – this is our subject
Something which has existed since the beginning,
that we have heard,
and we have seen with our own eyes;
that we have watched
and touched with our hands:
the Word, who is life –
this is our subject.
That life was made visible:
we saw it and we are giving our testimony,
telling you of the eternal life
which was with the Father and has been made visible to us.
What we have seen and heard
we are telling you
so that you too may be in union with us,
as we are in union
with the Father
and with his Son Jesus Christ.
We are writing this to you to make our own joy complete.
Responsorial Psalm 96(97):1-2,5-6,11-12
Rejoice, you just, in the Lord.
The Lord is king, let earth rejoice,
let all the coastlands be glad.
Cloud and darkness are his raiment;
his throne, justice and right.
Rejoice, you just, in the Lord.
The mountains melt like wax
before the Lord of all the earth.
The skies proclaim his justice;
all peoples see his glory.
Rejoice, you just, in the Lord.
Light shines forth for the just
and joy for the upright of heart.
Rejoice, you just, in the Lord;
give glory to his holy name.
Rejoice, you just, in the Lord.
Gospel John 20:2-8
The other disciple saw, and he believed
On the first day of the week Mary of Magdala came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved. ‘They have taken the Lord out of the tomb’ she said ‘and we don’t know where they have put him.’
So Peter set out with the other disciple to go to the tomb. They ran together, but the other disciple, running faster than Peter, reached the tomb first; he bent down and saw the linen cloths lying on the ground, but did not go in. Simon Peter who was following now came up, went right into the tomb, saw the linen cloths on the ground, and also the cloth that had been over his head; this was not with the linen cloths but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple who had reached the tomb first also went in; he saw and he believed.
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Beloved
Today, we celebrate the feast of St John the evangelist, who is described as “the one whom Jesus loved”. At first glance, it may appear that Jesus showed favouritism toward certain disciples. Yet, it is important to recognize that Jesus held a deep love for all of his disciples, calling each one his friend (John 15:15). What truly distinguishes John from the rest is the depth of his response to Jesus’ love. His steadfast love for Jesus was evident as he stood by the cross, while the other disciples deserted Him. In today’s gospel, his love for Christ compelled him to run swiftly to the tomb, and once again, it was love that opened his eyes to see the empty tomb as a symbol of hope.
We are the disciples whom Jesus loves. Let us respond to His love by giving ourselves to Him and following Him faithfully to the end.
Reflective question:
How can I respond to the love that Jesus has for me?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year C” by Sr Maria Jose FMVD.
