Feast of St. John, Apostle and Evangelist

Today's Mass Readings

Merry Christmas! Keep listening to that Christmas music! On this third Octave Day of Christmas, we celebrate the Feast of St. John the Evangelist, author of John’s gospel, AND the disciple whom Jesus loved. The gospel we hear today is of John and Simon Peter running to Jesus’ tomb after Mary Magdalene told them that Jesus’ body was missing. It sounds like John is in better shape than Simon Peter because John makes it to the tomb first. BUT, John didn’t go in. Simon Peter finally makes it to the tomb, likely out of breath and ready to fall over, and goes straight into the tomb. Simon Peter had no thoughts or questions as to why John was waiting at the entrance. Simon Peter jumped into that tomb to look for his Lord. I think John was just too shocked.

Friends, which person are you? Are you, like John, shocked, fearful, and calculating things? Or are you, like Simon Peter, ready to jump in? I think we can be both these men at different times, sometimes a little scared, sometimes ready to jump right in. This gospel, I think, is put before us to gauge our faith. Where is your faith right now? Strong, ready to jump in? Or, a little hesitant, with some fear? Use the birth of the Son of God to light that fire again and awaken your soul. St. John the Evangelist, pray for us.

Reflection by Fr. Macario Martinez, OSB