S. John, Apostle, Evangelist, Visionary. When Our Lord entered His Passion, three followed him - all drowsed when they were called to keep watch with Him. S. James abandoned Him in Gethsemane; S. Peter denied Him in the courtyard of the High Priest; S. John alone followed Him from His Agony to His Death on the Cross, suffering with Our Lord and His Blessed Mother to the moment He was laid in the tomb. Yesterday we were shown S. Stephen, first Martyr in deed and will; today, S. John, first Martyr in will, our exemplar of perseverance in the face of the Cross, to whom it was given to know the secrets of Our Lord's heart at the Last Supper, on the Cross, and even after His Ascension.
Let us imitate John, to follow Our Saviour through all He has done for us, that like this beloved disciple, we will look with true Love of God and Fear of the Lord upon Our Lord seated in Majesty in His Kingdom, loyal retainers who have fought the good fight and shared in His glorious Victory! S. Ioanne, ora pro nobis!