St. John, the son of Zebedee and brother of St. James the Great, was called to be an Apostle by our Lord in the first year of His public ministry. He became the “beloved disciple” and the only one of the Twelve who did not forsake the Savior in the hour of His Passion. He stood faithfully at the cross when Christ made him the guardian of His Mother.

His later life was passed chiefly in Jerusalem and at Ephesus. He founded many churches in Asia Minor, and he wrote many important works, including the fourth Gospel, three Epistles, and the Book of Revelation is also attributed to him. Brought to Rome, tradition relates that he was by order of Emperor Dometian cast into a cauldron of boiling oil but came forth unhurt, and was banished to the island of Pathmos for a year. He lived to an extreme old age, surviving all his fellow apostles, and died in Ephesus about the year 100.

St. John is called the Apostle of Charity, a virtue he had learned from his Divine Master, and which he constantly inculcated by word and example. The “beloved disciple” died at Ephesus, where a stately church was erected over his tomb. It was afterwards converted into a Mohammedan mosque.

John is credited with the authorship of three epistles and one Gospel, although many scholars believe that the final editing of the Gospel was done by others shortly after his death. He is also supposed by many to be the author of the book of Revelation, called the Apocalypse, although this identification is less certain.

REFLECTION

The family is a jewel of God’s creation. Our God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – is a family. Just as individual humans are made in the image and likeness of God, so is the human family. For this reason, Satan seeks to destroy both the institution and our personal families. This is evident in the cultural and spiritual war against the family we see happening all around us. Many of us are also disheartened by the heavy discord in our own families. Let us turn to the Holy Family for help. In Jesus, Mary and Joseph, we see the human family as God intends it to be. Their home was uncorrupted by sin. For thirty years, Jesus lived in this setting. Contemplate the harmony, warmth and love in their household.  Meditate on how selfless, patient, gentle and kind they were with each other. Imagine the peace and joy in the home of the Holy Family. If there is pain, anger or discord in your own family, do not lose heart. Call upon Jesus, Mary and Joseph, for they will bring healing, forgiveness and peace. If you feel discouraged by the apparent demise of the family in our society, do not be afraid. Pray to the Holy Family, and remember God’s solemn promise. The gates of hell shall not prevail.