Friday, December 27, 2013

Feast of Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist: Anchored in Love

“Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed.” - Jn 20:8

St. John, Apostle and Evangelist loved Jesus greatly. He is known as the “beloved disciple” of Christ and “the Apostle of Love.” He was the only apostle who never abandoned Jesus and stood at the foot of His cross at the Crucifixion. He affirmed that “God is love.” (Jn 4:8) Christ’s love is the central topic in St. John’s writings, his anchor per se. He spoke of pure true love, which is rooted in God, and devoted his life teaching and living in His love.

I attended a Celebration of Life today. The deceased did not want a funeral service. In his “Checking Out” note, he wanted the living to celebrate his life. He wanted a party. To him, his passing should be a celebration because he was going home to his father’s house – that was the destination of his life. His family and friends saw him as the anchor of their lives as God has been the anchor of his life. With every life he touched, he left an anchor of Christ’s love so that they can leave their anchors on others to spread His word. It was the most beautiful celebration. It was full of love, joy, and laughter. Family members shared stories and pictures of how the deceased is their anchor in life. It was one of the best analogies of Christ’s love.

Do you live your life in Christ’s love? Who anchored your life and whose lives have you anchored? 

Reflected by Katherine Tran

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