Mass Readings and Meditations “The Word Among Us” Friday, 27 December 2013

Mass Readings and Meditations “The Word Among Us” Friday, 27 December 2013

Meditation: John The Resurrection of Jesus

20: Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. 2 So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” 3 Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went toward the tomb. 4 The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, 7 and the cloth that had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. 8 Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed;

Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist

He ran faster than Peter and arrived at the tomb first. (John 20:4)

No matter how many remarkable accomplishments can be attributed to St. John—and there are many—he is probably best known and loved for his passion. Don’t you find that remarkable? John was one of the pioneers of primitive Christianity. He founded and led churches throughout Asia Minor. He was even one of the earliest and most detailed witnesses to the words and deeds of Jesus of Nazareth. And yet we remember him most for his passionate love of the Lord. We catch a glimpse of that passion in today’s Gospel as we read about how he outran Peter to see the empty tomb. He couldn’t contain himself. He so wanted to believe that Jesus really had risen!

John’s passion for Jesus stretched back to his initial encounter with the Lord. On the banks of the Sea of Galilee, he left the security of father, home, and livelihood at Jesus’ invitation—and he never looked back. We also see his passion when he suggested calling down fire from heaven against some people who refused to welcome Jesus into their town. It shows up again when we learn that Jesus had nicknamed him and his brother, James, the “sons of thunder” (Mark 3:17).

Such a portrait of John tells us how intently he listened to Jesus’ preaching and teaching, how closely he watched Jesus heal and deliver people, and how open he was whenever Jesus spoke to him. No wonder we celebrate his feast day during the Christmas season—a season so focused on Jesus’ own passionate love for us!

John’s passion can be ours, too. As we cooperate with the ever-present grace of God, we can come to know him more and more clearly. We can taste his own passion for us, and that passion will enkindle a fire in our hearts. Even the smallest step of obedience, surrender, or cooperation with God can spark the flame. God doesn’t need much from us, just an open heart and a flexible will. So seek Jesus today. May we all become beloved disciples just like John!

“Lord, grant me the grace to love you with everything that I am. Thank you for being so single-minded in your devotion to me. By your Spirit, may I be just as single-minded for you.” Amen!

1 John The Word of Life

1: We declare to you what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— 2 this life was revealed, and we have seen it and testify to it, and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us— 3 we declare to you what we have seen and heard so that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4 We are writing these things so that our[a] joy may be complete.

Footnotes:

a. 1 John 1:4 Other ancient authorities read your

Psalm 97: The Glory of God’s Reign

1 The Lord is king! Let the earth rejoice;

    let the many coastlands be glad!

2 Clouds and thick darkness are all around him;

    righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.

5 The mountains melt like wax before the Lord,

    before the Lord of all the earth.

6 The heavens proclaim his righteousness;

    and all the peoples behold his glory.

11 Light dawns[a] for the righteous,

    and joy for the upright in heart.

12 Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous,

    and give thanks to his holy name!

Footnotes:

a. Psalm 97:11 Gk Syr Jerome: Heb is sown

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