St. John

December 27, 2013:  St. John, Apostle and Evangelist

Readings

• 1 Jn 1:1-4  We proclaim the Word of life—what was from the beginning, that we've heard, seen, and touched—so you may have fellowship with the Father, Jesus Christ, and us.

• Ps 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12  "Rejoice in the Lord, you just!"  The Lord is king; the heavens proclaim his justice, and all see his glory.

• Jn 20:1a, 2-8  Mary Magdalene ran to Simon Peter and [John]: “They've taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don't know where they put him.”  Both ran to the tomb; John arrived first and saw the burial cloths, then Peter arrived and saw the cloths too.  John went in and believed.

Pope Francis

• Gospel Joy (Evangelii Gaudium drill-down), continuing Chapter 3 (a series):

The homily's liturgical context:  The liturgical proclamation of God's word is a God/people dialogue proclaiming salvation and restating the demands of the covenant.  The homily is the supreme moment in that dialogue; it leads to sacramental communion.  The preacher must know the heart of his community.  The homily isn't entertainment; it needs to give life and meaning to the celebration.  It should be brief lest it upset the liturgy's balance and rhythm.  As part of the offering to God and a mediation of grace, it should guide the assembly and preacher to life-changing communion with Christ.  The Lord, not the preacher, must be the center of attention.  (3.II, 137-138, pp. 109-110)

Reflections

• Creighton:  All real disciples are “Beloved.”  Disciples' are to be beloved and to witness to God's tenderness made manifest in Jesus Christ.  Witness:  live and share what we've seen and heard, in attitudes, choices, and way of life.  Where have I encountered God's loving care, evidence of Resurrection?  Receive the Word-made-flesh.  

• RC.net:  John wrote as an eyewitness of the Word become flesh.  The greatest joy we can have is to encounter Christ and to know him personally as Savior and Lord.

• Universalis:  St John the Evangelist, “the disciple whom Jesus loved,” was involved in central events of Jesus’ life.

• Sacred Space

Apparel

Mele kalikimaka shirt #2:  Christmas pin

Dress your life!

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