REFLECTIONS TODAY
The reference to the disciple whom Jesus loves is made here for the first time. He is the one reclining next to Jesus at the Last Supper and even leans on his bosom. The description of the Beloved Disciple emphasizes his closeness to Jesus. A special confidant to whom Jesus reveals himself more than to others, he is called to present the revelation of Jesus. He is as intimate with Jesus as Jesus is with the Father. He is the Johannine symbol of the Christian. Jesus prays to his Father that Christians may enjoy such intimacy: “I pray not only for them, but also for those who will believe in me through their word... I have given them the glory you gave me, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me” (17:20, 22, 23). He is a complete contrast to Judas. Both of them are friends of Jesus. One represents loyalty; the other, disloyalty. All believers are called to model their intimacy and friendship with Jesus on that of the Beloved Disciple.Gospel • John 13:21-33, 36-38
Reclining at table with his disciples, Jesus was deeply troubled and testified, “Amen, amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” One of his disciples, the one whom Jesus loved, was reclining at Jesus’ side. So Simon Peter nodded to him to find out whom he meant. He leaned back against Jesus’ chest and said to him, “Master, who is it?” Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I hand the morsel after I have dipped it.” So he dipped the morsel and took it and handed it to Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot. After Judas took the morsel, Satan entered him. So Jesus said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly.” ... So Judas took the morsel and left at once. And it was night. When he had left, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and he will glorify him at once. My children, I will be with you only a little while longer. You will look for me, and as I told the Jews, ‘Where I go you cannot come,’ so now I say it to you.” Simon Peter said to him, “Master, where are you going?” Jesus answered him, “Where I am going, you cannot follow me now, though you will follow later.” Peter said to him, “Master, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Amen, amen, I say to you, the cock will not crow before you deny me three times.” *Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2023,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]); Website: [http://www.stpauls.ph](http://www.stpauls.ph).*