27 December 2024
Feast of St. John the Apostle, Evangelist
John 20: 2-8
Becoming Beloved Disciples Today

Today’s Gospel offers a meditation on the Beloved Disciple, often identified as the apostle John. While the Gospel of John never explicitly names him, the Beloved Disciple represents a deeper reality—the new community of faith formed around Jesus.
At the foot of the Cross, we see him as a powerful symbol: the Beloved Disciple standing with Mary, the Mother of Jesus. Mary represents the Old Covenant, and the Beloved Disciple signifies the New Covenant community. When Jesus entrusts Mary and the Beloved Disciple to each other, He bridges the Old and New, uniting faith and life. This unity reminds us that we cannot separate God’s enduring promises in the Old Testament from the fulfilment in Christ.
In the Resurrection account, the Beloved Disciple sees and believes upon reaching the empty tomb. He perceives the presence of Jesus’ novelty and power. Later, during the miraculous catch of fish, the Beloved Disciple recognises the Lord and declares, “It is the Lord!” (John 21:7). His faith inspires Peter to grow, ultimately transforming him into a Beloved Disciple.
Today, we are called to be Beloved Disciples—people of faith who see with eyes of love. Amid a world that often divides faith and daily life, we are invited to integrate these fully, drawing strength from the Word and Sacraments. The Beloved Disciple’s journey inspires us to cultivate a deep, personal relationship with Christ and to lead others to Him through our witness.

• Do I recognise God’s presence in my daily life with the eyes of a Beloved Disciple?
• How can I better unite my faith with my actions in the world today?

 © Claretian Publications, Hong Kong, China
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2024