The Marie du jour – May 9

John’s unique apostolate was to remain close to the Virgin Mary

Consider those closest to Christ. Saint John the Apostle grasped what was indispensable for a clear understanding of his master. John never tired of probing and querying Christ. We can see how John thus gained richer insights and fuller explanations, precisely because he went to the bother of approaching and asking Christ to clarify each day’s lesson. I picture John, walking close behind Christ, as he made his way about the Holy Land. Thus, John came to gain a wealth of intimate knowledge, which the other apostles did not acquire. Herein lies the explanation for the special character of the fourth Gospel. While the other apostles traveled across the then known world on their missionary journeys, John’s unique apostolate was to remain close to the Virgin Mary, whom Christ had entrusted to him. Thus were these two great souls conjoined in love and prayer.

Père Jacques of Jesus, OCD

Thus were these two great souls conjoined in love and prayer.

Listen to the Silence - A Retreat with Père Jacques (p. 11)
Translated and edited by Francis J. Murphy
ICS Publications, © Washington Province of Discalced Carmelites, Inc.