“The other disciple who had reached the tomb first, also went in; he saw and believed.” (Jn 20:8)

“The other disciple who had reached the tomb first, also went in; he saw and believed.” (Jn 20:8)  

Today’s Passage: Jn 20:2-8

Meditation: It seems like a strange reading to hear just after the Christmas; a resurrection narrative! But, we know for sure that the mother holy church is today joyously celebrating the feast of the evangelist, St. John. Therefore, today our concentration is not on the resurrection narrative, rather on “the Beloved Disciple.” Though there are differences of opinion among the biblical scholars regarding the person who this Beloved Disciple is, majority are of the opinion today that he is the apostle John, son of Zebedee.

  

Let come to the meditation verse, “The other disciple who had reached the tomb first, also went in; he saw and believed.” (Jn 20:8)  See the narrative, the other disciple, i.e., the BD “saw” the empty tomb, “believed” that he was raised, and later witnessed to it. In his gospel it is written, “He is the disciple who spoke of these things; the one also wrote them down; and we know that what he said is true.” (Jn 21:24) Again we see, “The one who saw this happen has spoken of it, so that you also may believe. What he said is true, and he knows that he speaks the truth.” (Jn 19:35)

The whole gospel is actually an account of testimonies (e.g. first disciples, Samaritan woman, the blind man etc.). The fact that he “saw and believed” may seem contrary to the nature of worldly leaders and victors who came, saw, and conquered the people and the nations. For, it is really, we “saw” him in the manger; “believed” that he is our savior; and “was conquered” by his love for us.

Therefore, it is quite realistic and appropriate to meditate on Beloved Disciple and his witnessing just after the Christmas celebrations. However, did I “see” in the manger on Christmas day, my savior Jesus and “believe” in him? If yes, then we too will be able to announce, “We have heard it, and we have seen it, with our eyes; yes, we have seen it, and our hands have touched it.” (1Jn 1:1) Happy feast to all of you! 

        

Prayer: Lord God, we thank you and praise you for your daily eternal bread and especially for this season of Christmas. This is an occasion for us to give witness to you before our brethren. In order that our celebration be a fruitful one, we have to be ready for giving witness to Jesus. Lord, give us Your Spirit and the courage to give witness in all circumstances after the model of your beloved disciple, John. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen!

Greetings: God is with you! Have a nice and blissful Saturday…