Why John calls Himself as the Beloved disciple of Jesus?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Christmas Season : 27th December*

*Feast of St John the Evangelist*

*Gospel : Jn 20:1a and 2-8*

*First Reading : 1 Jn 1:1-4*

*Why John calls Himself as the Beloved disciple of Jesus*

*1) It is John who calls*

First of all this particular title *Beloved disciple of Jesus* comes from John himself 

It is John who calls himself as the beloved disciple of Jesus 

Now the question is, why he is calling himself as the beloved disciple of Jesus? 

*2) Various possible Reasons*

Through this title *beloved* John wants higliht God's love and how it has transformed his life, rather than his own personality or identity

Through this title *Beloved* John reminds the readers the enormous love they too, experience in our life 

Through this title *beloved* John is urging all of us that every one has the opportunity to become the beloved disciples of Jesus 

So its more of highlighting God's love rather than Human love 

*3) John Himself wanted to make Himself Anonymous*

By calling Himself as the beloved disciple of Jesus, John might have had the intention of hiding his real identity

Since it gives an opportunity to think who would be the real person, any one can try to fit into this framework

So all have the opportunity to become the beloved disciple of Jesus 

*4) The message of Love*

Ultimately the title *Beloved* highlights the Love of Jesus 

The main theme of the Gospels and the life of Jesus is nothing but Love 

This love has to be experienced concretely in our life by becoming the beloved disciples of Jesus 

There is nothing other than love in the entire life of Jesus and in the Gospels. 

So every one is called to become the beloved disciples of Jesus

*5) One of the best Titles*

The title *beloved* is one of the best titles one can have in ones life 

God loves all of us in a equal way. Jesus is the human form of God who shows this love to all of us

Those who accept Jesus they experience the deeper love of Jesus and they become the beloved disciples of Jesus 

*6) Various ways of becoming beloved of Jesus*

Like John one should follow Jesus 

Like John one should spread the Gospel of Love everywhere

Like John one should be present at the foot of the cross with Mother Mary 

Like John one should not run away from Jesus where there are crisis and challenges

Like John one should take care of the others (Mary) 

Am I ready for these works of Love? 

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*