It’s the Feast of St. John the Evangelist, 2nd Class, with the color of White. In this episode: the meditation: “John, The Intimate Friend”, today’s news from the Church: “Hong Kong: Jimmy Lai Convicted of Sedition”, and today’s thought from the Archbishop.

• “John, The Intimate Friend” – From Advent to Epiphany
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• https://fsspx.news/en/news/hong-kong-jimmy-lai-convicted-sedition-56081

• https://angeluspress.org/products/spiritual-life-archbishop

Saint John the Evangelist holds a unique place among the apostles, not only because of what he did, but because of how closely he lived to the heart of Christ. He was the youngest of the Twelve, the son of Zebedee, a fisherman from Galilee, and the brother of James. The Gospels show him early on as intense and passionate. Jesus even gave him and his brother the nickname “sons of thunder.” Yet over time, that fire was transformed into something deeper and steadier. John became the apostle of love, not because he was gentle by nature, but because he had been changed by intimacy with the Lord.

At the Last Supper, John reclined close to Jesus, resting against Him as a friend would. That closeness did not fade when things grew dark. While most of the apostles fled during the Passion, John followed Christ to the foot of the Cross. There, Jesus entrusted His mother to him, and John took Mary into his care. The Church has always seen that moment as more than practical concern. John received Mary as a gift, and through him, the Church received her as Mother.

After the Resurrection, John became a pillar of the early Church. He preached, taught, and eventually settled in Ephesus, where tradition says he guided the Christian community for decades. During a persecution under Emperor Domitian, he was arrested and exiled to the island of Patmos. There, in prayer and suffering, he received the visions recorded in the Book of Revelation. Even this dramatic work carries the mark of his spiritual maturity. It is not fueled by fear, but by confidence that Christ reigns, even when the world appears chaotic.

John’s Gospel reveals his deepest gift. He does not begin with Bethlehem or Nazareth, but with eternity. “In the beginning was the Word.” His writing is slow, reflective, and luminous, shaped by years of contemplation. He speaks of light and darkness, love and truth, abiding and believing. Late tradition holds that John died peacefully, the only apostle not martyred, his life itself becoming a long witness to fidelity.

Traditions surrounding his feast on December 27 highlight both love and trust. In the Middle Ages, wine was blessed on his day, recalling a legend in which John drank poisoned wine unharmed after making the sign of the cross. The blessing became a prayer for friendship, charity, and protection from harm. He is also the patron of theologians, writers, and those who seek clarity of faith.

Saint John shows us that the deepest authority in the Church comes not from force or fear, but from abiding with Christ long enough to be transformed by love.

Saint John the Evangelist, pray for us!

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