The Feast of St John the Evangelist
Readings: 1 John 1:1–4, Psalm 96(97):1–2, 5–6, 11–12, John 20:2–8
27 December 2024
This is our subject. 1 JN 1:1
Grammarians know the importance of subjects in language. Words matter, and in writing, the subject is the doer of a sentence and carries out the action of the verb. In contrast, objects receive the action of the verb from the subject.
With that brief syntax lesson as context, we now turn to St John, a writer whose feast day we celebrate today. In the first reading he says, “The Word, who is life—this is our subject” (1 Jn 1:1–2). This Word, Jesus, has always existed. Yet in a divine gift, that Word became flesh for our sake.
Today’s Gospel shows Mary Magdalene, Peter and John (the one Jesus loved), grappling with the mystery of the Word incarnate. After an earthly pilgrimage of preaching and teaching, Christ was crucified and buried. Three days later, Mary tells her friends that Jesus’ body is missing. Upon arriving at the tomb and observing the burial cloths, John “saw and he believed” (Jn 20:8).
The Word matters. Jesus is the doer in our lives. While we receive his love and grace, our vocation transcends that of passive objects. Christ calls us to be active subjects, to witness to his truth through our own earthly pilgrimages. We answer this invitation by being imitators of Jesus and reflecting his light in a world darkened by sin. John saw and believed. As subjects of Christ, may we do the same through our words and actions.
Lord, kindly help us to always preach your Word. Amen.
Matthew Ockinga
Matthew Ockinga is a writer and teacher in Washington State, USA. He holds a Master of Arts in Philosophy and Religion from the University of St Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, IL. He teaches Scripture, catechism, writing, ethics, logic, and debate at Cor Christi Academy, a classical Catholic school.
With thanks to the Diocese of Wollongong, who have supplied this reflection from their publication, The Sign: Advent and Christmas Reflections 2024. Reproduced with permission.
