Word to the Wise
Saturday, December 27, 2014 - Dec. 27 - Feast of St. John, Apostle & Evangelist
[1 John 1:1-4 and John 20:1a, 2-8]Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed. [John]
DECEMBER 27 ST. JOHN (Apostle and Evangelist)
I will readily admit that I love the Gospel of John (even if some of the polemic resentful language due to conflict with contemporary Jewish synagogue authorities makes me uncomfortable). I love the dramatic quality of the encounters of various characters with Jesus and how these individuals come to faith through this encounter. In addition to the gospel, disciples of the evangelist carried on his tradition in the three "Letters of John," one of which provides the first scripture for today.
The first quote is taken from the resurrection scene in which Peter and John, having heard the news from Mary Magdalen, race to the tomb. John wins the race but Peter enters the tomb first. John still "wins" because "he saw and believed." Seeing and believing are closely related throughout the Gospel of John. That theme appears in the first scripture, taken from the First Letter of John. Again, the drama of the scene at the tomb is a great preaching! (Mary Magdalen's encounter and commissioning at the tomb are also wonderful.)
Since I regard each of the gospels as a preaching document, I celebrate the feast of the apostle John with a preacher's appreciation for the creative way in which the truth about Jesus is presented. I invite all the Beloved Congregation to at least read the majestic "Prologue" that begins the Gospel of John and reflect in this season on "the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us." AMEN
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