Saint Who?
Saints Who Were Writers
Saint John the Evangelist
Apostle († c. a.d. 100)Feast: December 27
It might seem odd to believe that the son of a Galilean fisherman could compose such a theologically rich work as the Gospel according to John. However, since this Gospel was apparently written years after the other three Gospels, John had had decades to pray and reflect on all he had seen and heard as a young man.
John was most concerned about helping Christians understand the symbols and themes he had discovered in Christ’s teaching. In his Gospel, he filled in important events that had been overlooked by the other Gospels, such as the story of the woman caught in adultery.
After the Resurrection, John cared for the Blessed Mother for many years, may have served as the bishop of Ephesus (in modern Turkey), and was forced into exile on the island of Patmos, where he composed the Book of Revelation. According to an old tradition, to prove the power of faith when challenged by a pagan priest, John drank a cup of poison—and survived. He died in peace at a great age in the city of Ephesus, having returned from exile.
Lord Jesus Christ, may we come to know, love,
and adore you as both Son of God and Son of Man.
