Feast of St. John the Apostle
John and his brother James were partners in a fishing business with two other brothers – Peter and Andrew. In Matthew, they are the first four disciples called by Jesus.
John is mentioned 20 times in the Gospels (though never in the Gospel that bears his name); Peter, James and John had an especially close relationship to the Lord. For example, Jesus brought only them to witness the Transfiguration.
It is said that John was a young man when called to be a disciple, and lived to a ripe old age. One tradition says that in his last days his disciples would carry him into the church. Unable to give a lengthy sermon, he would simply repeat the words: “Children, love one another.” His disciples, hearing this repeatedly, became impatient: “Master, why do you always say the same thing?” John replied, Because it is the Lord’s own commandment. And if you did nothing more, it would suffice.”
John is often identified as the mysterious “beloved disciple” in John’s Gospel. But some scholars suggest that this nameless person was a disciple who during Jesus’ life time seemed a minor figure. Then in the early Christian community he emerged as a person of great faith. But by the time John’s Gospel was finished no one remembered his name.
Unlike other saints, an apostle’s feast always takes precedence over the daily weekday sequence for liturgy.
Please notify me via FReepmail if you would like to be added to or taken off the Saint of the Day Ping List.