1 John 1:1-4, Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12, John 20:1, 2-8

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

Feast of Saint John, Apostle and evangelist

We praise you, O God,
we acclaim you as Lord;
the glorious company of Apostles praise you.

1 John 1:1-4, Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12, John 20:1, 2-8 

1 John 1:1-4

My soul's beloved, beloved Bridegroom of my soul, we may be tempted to envy the Apostles who walked with You, talked to You, lived with You and shared Your life in the three years of Your public ministry. Yet You have assured us that those who believe although we have not seen You will be blessed. Our eyes may only see You veiled in the Bread, our tongues have tasted You hidden in the Holy Eucharist, and You make our hearts Your sanctuary - the bless where You dwell and yet this seeing, this knowing is no less that what the Apostles experienced. We too have the Word of Life who animates our souls and through which we receive every grace and blessing.

We too like the Apostles are called to make You visible to the world by our lives as we testify to the Good News that has saved the world. Thank You for the fellowship we enjoy with You through the Holy Spirit that unites us to the Father and to You - our joy is truly complete.

Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12

My soul's beloved, the people who once walked in darkness have seen a great light. We have received the Good News and all who believe in Your Holy Name are assured of salvation for there is no other given to us by which we may be saved.  Thank You Lord for becoming Emmanuel for us. 

John 20:1, 2-8

My soul's beloved, Mary Magdalene made haste to the Apostles carrying with her the news that the tomb was empty and together with Peter and John the ran back to the tomb. The Good News of the empty tomb was first given to Mary Magdalene, a faithful disciple, it was her privilege to make this revelation to the two foremost in the inner circle - Peter the head of Your Church and John the beloved. Like John we are reminded to always hold the head of the household of God in reverence because he has been appointed by You. We can trust Your choice. The disciples saw and they believed in the Resurrection without which St. Paul reminds us our faith is in vain. Thank You for the hope we have that one day our mortal bodies will be made new again in the Kingdom to come.