John speaks of fellowship

     There is a church in Grove City in the Erie Diocese called the Church of the Beloved Disciple.  It is not a likely name for a Catholic Parish, but it is a beautiful name.  Today the Church celebrates the Beloved Disciple, the feast of Saint John, Apostle and evangelist.

     John was the beloved disciple because Jesus took him under his wing and protected and cherished and loved him, probably more than the others.  The reason was simple, John was the youngest, probably just in his teens, and in need of guidance and acceptance.  John is the one who rested his head on the chest of Jesus at the Last Supper.  John was the one at the foot of the cross.  John was the one that Jesus entrusted Mary to, and whom he entrusted to Mary.  John was the one who ran to the tomb with Peter, outdistancing Peter but showing his respect in waiting until Peter entered first.  John was the only one of the Twelve that lived a full life and died a natural death.  John was the one who gave us a "theology" in his gospel, a vision of fellowship.  John is the one, with his disciples, who gave us a greater vision in the Book of Revelation.

     The Gospel for the Christmas Mass during the day is the beginning of the Gospel of John (for those of us old enough to remember - the "last gospel" at Mass).  "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" - a wonderful expression of Faith.  One of my favorites.  The first reading today from the first letter of John reminds us that what was from the beginning, what has been seen and heard and touched concerns the "Word of life", and has been given us, proclaimed by John and countless others throughout time, so that we may have fellowship, "for our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ".  Knowing this completes our joy.

     That fellowship was celebrated by those who came to acknowledge his birth in Bethlehem of Judea that first Christmas, and to celebrate his entrance into our lives this Christmas.  Here at Elizabeth Ann Seton we celebrated a Vigil Mass at 6:00 pm, Mass at Midnight, and Masses at 8:30 & 11:00 am.  Only the 6:00 was standing room only, but all were great celebrations of God's faithful.