The disciple whom Jesus loved, linked with the Gospel, Letters and Revelation of John, who took Mary into his home at the cross.
Life
Saint John the Apostle was a Galilean fisherman, son of Zebedee and brother of the Apostle James. When Jesus called him, he left his nets and his father and followed at once. With Peter and James he witnessed from close by the Transfiguration and the hour in Gethsemane.
Church tradition identifies him as the disciple whom Jesus loved, who stood at the foot of the Cross and received Mary as his mother. The Gospel and Letters of John have come down under his name, and tradition holds that he was exiled to the island of Patmos and later lived for many years in Ephesus, where he died. The Church celebrates him as Apostle and Evangelist on December 27.
Spirituality
John's spirituality is abiding in love. Resting close to the Lord's heart, he learned the heart of God and proclaimed that God is love. His Gospel gazes deeply on the mystery of the Word made flesh and reminds us that loving one another is the mark of a disciple.
Reflection
John was the disciple who stayed with the Lord even at the foot of the Cross, and who took the Lord's mother into his home. Today, could you quietly ask yourself whether you stay close to Jesus not only in joy but also in hardship?