On today’s Feast of Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist, the first reading is taken from the beginning of John’s first epistle (1 Jn 1:1-4).  John here is truly being an evangelist, testifying to the Word becoming visible (very reminiscent of the opening of his gospel).  This passage closes with the line at top.

John is proclaiming Christ so as to bring his readers into fellowship with him and other Christians and thus with the Father and the Son.  What great joy to be in friendship with God.  What greater joy can there be on this earth than bringing others into the fold?  I’m reminded of this passage about joy: “There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance” (Lk 15:7).  Would it not be awesome to know when we meet Jesus at the end of our lives that we were His instruments to bring this happiness to the saints?  When we are imbued with the love of God we desire to share it.  When a person is madly, head over heels in love, he wants the whole world to know.  We all should pray for this zeal to consume us so that we radiate Jesus’ love to every person we meet.  Let us follow John’s lead to evangelize at all times so as to bring many others home to the only place they will find true happiness.  How can our joy be complete unless we work constantly to build up the Kingdom?  Remember, “it is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost” (Mt 18:14).