FEAST OF SAINT JOHN, APOSTLE AND EVANGELIST
John 20:1–8
Reflect
John’s Gospel begins with an extraordinary prologue: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” For centuries, Catholics prayed these words at the conclusion of every Mass. While Matthew and Luke present genealogies which show Jesus’ human and kingly lineage, Saint John is intent on emphasizing Jesus’ divinity. The prologue introduces the great themes of John’s Gospel, including truth, light, life, and testimony. But, above all, John insists, the Word is the logos. In ancient Greek philosophy, logos meant the rational order of all creation. In the Gospels, we learn that the one who orders all things is Christ, the Word, who speaks the promise of the Father’s love.
Pray
Grant me, O heavenly Father, a desire to know your beloved Son. May I seek Christ, the Word made flesh, with all my mind, turning my thoughts constantly to things that are above. Amen.
Live
Read the prologue of John’s Gospel today: John 1:1–18. Consider how the prologue is a summary of John’s entire Gospel, which lays out the life and mission of Christ.
