Encountering the Risen Jesus in the Gospel of John Felix Just, S.J. Winged Eagle, Symbol of John the Evangelist, by Rudolf Koch

Readings from John during the Easter Season The Gospel reading at most Sunday liturgies during the Easter Season is not taken from the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, or Luke), but from John’s Gospel. Why? The Gospel reading at most Sunday liturgies during the Easter Season is not taken from the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, or Luke), but from John’s Gospel. Why? What messages do these Johannine readings have for us? What messages do these Johannine readings have for us? What do the words of Jesus to his first disciples teach us about how we can still encounter Jesus today? What do the words of Jesus to his first disciples teach us about how we can still encounter Jesus today?

Gospel of John: Intro Composition History: Composition History: Author – “… according to John” (Apostle, son of Zebedee?) Author – “… according to John” (Apostle, son of Zebedee?) Date – late 90’s? (last or four canonical Gospels) Date – late 90’s? (last or four canonical Gospels) Location – Jewish/Gentile (Palestine? Syria? Asia Minor?) Location – Jewish/Gentile (Palestine? Syria? Asia Minor?) Theological Emphases: Theological Emphases: Jesus: only-begotten Son, sent from the Father, Word of God, Word made Flesh, Revealer, Works/Signs, Equal to God, “I AM” Jesus: only-begotten Son, sent from the Father, Word of God, Word made Flesh, Revealer, Works/Signs, Equal to God, “I AM” Response? Believe, become children of God, receive eternal life Response? Believe, become children of God, receive eternal life Holy Spirit = Paraclete (Advocate, Comforter, Counselor, etc.) Holy Spirit = Paraclete (Advocate, Comforter, Counselor, etc.)

Gospel of John: Outline Prologue: 1:1-18 Prologue: 1:1-18 Logos Hymn: Word in beginning with God; Word becomes Flesh Logos Hymn: Word in beginning with God; Word becomes Flesh “The Book of Signs”: 1:19 – 12:50 “The Book of Signs”: 1:19 – 12:50 Cana Wedding, Nicodemus Dialogue, Samaritan Woman, Healing at Bethesda Pool, Bread of Life, Man Born Blind, Raising Lazarus, etc. Cana Wedding, Nicodemus Dialogue, Samaritan Woman, Healing at Bethesda Pool, Bread of Life, Man Born Blind, Raising Lazarus, etc. “The Book of Glory”: 13:1 – 20:31 “The Book of Glory”: 13:1 – 20:31 Washing Feet, Farewell Discourses, Jesus’ Prayer, Passion Narrative, Crucifixion, Resurrection Appearances, esp. Mary Magd. & Thomas Washing Feet, Farewell Discourses, Jesus’ Prayer, Passion Narrative, Crucifixion, Resurrection Appearances, esp. Mary Magd. & Thomas Epilogue: 21:1-25 Epilogue: 21:1-25 Another Res. Appearance at Sea of Tiberias/Galilee - added later Another Res. Appearance at Sea of Tiberias/Galilee - added later

John in Holy Week Palm/Passion Sunday (B, opt.): John 12:12-16 Palm/Passion Sunday (B, opt.): John 12:12-16 Jesus Enters into Jerusalem Jesus Enters into Jerusalem Holy Thursday (ABC): John 13:1-15 Holy Thursday (ABC): John 13:1-15 Jesus Washes Disciples’ Feet Jesus Washes Disciples’ Feet Good Friday (ABC): John 18:1 – 19:42 Good Friday (ABC): John 18:1 – 19:42 Johannine Passion Narrative Johannine Passion Narrative Easter Sunday (ABC): John 20:1-9 Easter Sunday (ABC): John 20:1-9 Mary Magdalene; Peter & Beloved Disciple at Empty Tomb Mary Magdalene; Peter & Beloved Disciple at Empty Tomb Optional for afternoon Masses: Luke 24:13-35 – Disciples on Road to Emmaus Optional for afternoon Masses: Luke 24:13-35 – Disciples on Road to Emmaus

John in the Easter Season Day/Feast Year A Year B Year C Easter Sunday John 20:1-9 [ same as Year A ] 2 nd Sunday John 20:19-31 [ same as Year A ] 3 rd Sunday Luke 24:13-35 Luke 24:35-48 John 21: th Sunday John 10:1-10 John 10:11-18 John 10: th Sunday John 14:1-12 John 15:1-8 John 13: th Sunday John 14:15-21 John 15:9-17 John 14:23-29 [ 7 th Sunday ] John 17:1-11a John 17:11b-19 John 17:20-26 Pentecost Vigil John 7:37-39 [ same as Year A ] Pentecost Sun. John 20:19-23 Jn 15:26-27; 16:12-15 Jn 14:15-16, 23b-26

Easter Sunday (ABC) John 20:1-9 – Empty Tomb First day of week, before dawn First day of week, before dawn Mary Magdalene finds tomb empty; runs to tell disciples Mary Magdalene finds tomb empty; runs to tell disciples Peter & B.D. race to tomb Peter & B.D. race to tomb See burial clothes; go into tomb See burial clothes; go into tomb B.D. believes, but they don’t understand the scriptures B.D. believes, but they don’t understand the scriptures [v. 10: disciples return home] [v. 10: disciples return home] Giovanni Francesco Romanelli; 1641

Octave of Easter Resurrection Appearance Stories read at weekday Masses during the Easter Octave: Jesus appears… Mon: Matt 28:8-15 – to Mary Magdalene & another Mary Mon: Matt 28:8-15 – to Mary Magdalene & another Mary Tues: John 20:11-18 – to Mary of Magdala by Garden Tomb Tues: John 20:11-18 – to Mary of Magdala by Garden Tomb (unfortunately not used in Sunday Lectionary) (unfortunately not used in Sunday Lectionary) Wed: Luke 24:13-35 – to two disciples on road to Emmaus Wed: Luke 24:13-35 – to two disciples on road to Emmaus Thurs: Luke 24:35-48 – to disciples in Jerusalem Thurs: Luke 24:35-48 – to disciples in Jerusalem Fri: John 21:1-14 – to seven disciples at Sea of Galilee Fri: John 21:1-14 – to seven disciples at Sea of Galilee (also used on Third Sunday of Easter, Year C) (also used on Third Sunday of Easter, Year C) Sat: Mark 16:9-15 – to Mary Magdalene & later other disciples Sat: Mark 16:9-15 – to Mary Magdalene & later other disciples

Easter Octave: Tuesday John 20:11-18 – Jesus appears to Mary of Magdala Mary stands outside tomb, weeping; sees two angels: “Why weep?” Mary stands outside tomb, weeping; sees two angels: “Why weep?” Turns & sees Jesus (gardener?): “Why weep? Whom do you seek?” Turns & sees Jesus (gardener?): “Why weep? Whom do you seek?” “Mary!” – “Rabbouni” – “ Noli me tangere ” – “Go, tell my brothers…” “Mary!” – “Rabbouni” – “ Noli me tangere ” – “Go, tell my brothers…” Sir Edward Coley Burne-Jones; English, 1882

Easter Octave: Friday John 21:1-14 – Jesus appears at the Sea of Tiberias Disciples (7?) back in Galilee, fishing; catch nothing (cf. Luke 5:1-11) Disciples (7?) back in Galilee, fishing; catch nothing (cf. Luke 5:1-11) Large catch (153 fish) – “It is the Lord!” – Charcoal fire – Bread & fish Large catch (153 fish) – “It is the Lord!” – Charcoal fire – Bread & fish Lucas Gassel; Flemish, 1500’s

2 nd Sunday of Easter (ABC) John 20:19-31 – Jesus appears to disciples & Thomas Evening of first day of week Evening of first day of week Jesus appears: “Peace to you!” Jesus appears: “Peace to you!” “As Father sent me, I send you” “As Father sent me, I send you” “Receive Holy Spirit; Forgive!” “Receive Holy Spirit; Forgive!” Thomas not there; “We’ve seen…” Thomas not there; “We’ve seen…” “I won’t believe unless I see…” “I won’t believe unless I see…” One week later, Thomas present One week later, Thomas present Jesus appears: “Peace to you!” Jesus appears: “Peace to you!” “Don’t be faithless, but believing” “Don’t be faithless, but believing” “My Lord and my God!” “My Lord and my God!” “Blessed… who believe w/o seeing” “Blessed… who believe w/o seeing” Caravaggio; 1601

3 rd Sunday of Easter (A&B) Luke

3 rd Sunday of Easter (C) John 21:1-19 (or 1-14) – Jesus appears at Sea of Tiberias Vv – also used Friday of Octave of Easter Vv – also used Friday of Octave of Easter Vv – Dialogue Jesus & Peter (also Friday of 7 th Week of Easter) Vv – Dialogue Jesus & Peter (also Friday of 7 th Week of Easter) “Do you love me” – “You know I love you” – “Feed my lambs” “Do you love me” – “You know I love you” – “Feed my lambs” “Do you love me” – “You know I love you” – “Tend my sheep” “Do you love me” – “You know I love you” – “Tend my sheep” “Do you love me” – “You know I love you” – “Feed my sheep” “Do you love me” – “You know I love you” – “Feed my sheep” Peter’s death? Peter’s death? “Follow Me” “Follow Me” Sir James Thornhill; ca. 1729

4 th Sunday of Easter (A) John 10:1-10 (“I am the sheep gate”) John 10:1-10 (“I am the sheep gate”) Vie de Jésus Mafa

4 th Sunday of Easter (B) Year B – John 10:11-18 (“I am the good shepherd”) Year B – John 10:11-18 (“I am the good shepherd”) Vie de Jésus Mafa

4 th Sunday of Easter (C) Year A – John 10:1-10 (“I am the sheep gate”) Year A – John 10:1-10 (“I am the sheep gate”) Year B – John 10:11-18 (“I am the good shepherd”) Year B – John 10:11-18 (“I am the good shepherd”) Year C – John 10:27-30 Year C – John 10:27-30 My sheep hear my voice; I know them; they follow me. My sheep hear my voice; I know them; they follow me. I give them eternal life; they will never perish. I give them eternal life; they will never perish. My Father gave them to me; no one can snatch them away. My Father gave them to me; no one can snatch them away. I and the Father are One. I and the Father are One. Vie de Jésus Mafa

5 th Sunday of Easter (A) John – Last Supper Discourse

5 th Sunday of Easter (B) John – Last Supper Discourse

5 th Sunday of Easter (C) John 13:31-33a, – Last Supper Discourse (begin) Jesus speaks to the Disciples Jesus speaks to the Disciples [ After Judas departs ] [ After Judas departs ] The Son of Man is glorified; God is glorified The Son of Man is glorified; God is glorified Children, I am with you only a little longer Children, I am with you only a little longer [omit 33b: “Where I am going you cannot come”] [omit 33b: “Where I am going you cannot come”] I give you a new commandment: Love one another as I have loved you. I give you a new commandment: Love one another as I have loved you. This is how all will know you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. This is how all will know you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.

6 th Sunday of Easter (A) John – Last Supper Discourse (cont.). Anonymous WoodcutsReformation Era, 1533

6 th Sunday of Easter (B) John – Last Supper Discourse (cont.). Anonymous WoodcutsReformation Era, 1533

6 th Sunday of Easter (C) John 14:23-29 – Last Supper Discourse (cont.) Those who love me will keep my word; my Father will love them. Those who love me will keep my word; my Father will love them. Paraclete/Advocate, whom the Father will send, will teach you. Paraclete/Advocate, whom the Father will send, will teach you. My Peace I give you; do not let your hearts be troubled. My Peace I give you; do not let your hearts be troubled. I’m going away; I’ll come back; I’ve told you, so you may believe. I’m going away; I’ll come back; I’ve told you, so you may believe. Anonymous WoodcutsReformation Era, 1533

Ascension of the Lord Readings from the Synoptic Gospels: Readings from the Synoptic Gospels: Year A – Matthew 28:16-20 Year A – Matthew 28:16-20 Year B – Mark 16:15-20 Year B – Mark 16:15-20 Year C – Luke 24:46-53 Year C – Luke 24:46-53 No Ascension Narrative in John’s Gospel No Ascension Narrative in John’s Gospel Cf. 3:13; 6:62; 20:17 – Jesus talks about descending & ascending Cf. 3:13; 6:62; 20:17 – Jesus talks about descending & ascending

[ 7 th Sunday of Easter ] Great Prayer of Jesus / High Priestly Prayer Great Prayer of Jesus / High Priestly Prayer Year A – John 17:1-11a Year A – John 17:1-11a Year B – John 17:11b-19 Year B – John 17:11b-19 Year C – John 17:20-26 Year C – John 17:20-26 Also used Tues–Thus of 7 th Week of Easter, each year Also used Tues–Thus of 7 th Week of Easter, each year Now supplanted by readings for Ascension Now supplanted by readings for Ascension

Vigil of Pentecost John 7:37-39 (Years ABC) On last day of Feast (Tabernacles) On last day of Feast (Tabernacles) “Let anyone who thirsts come to me and drink; Rivers of living water will flow from within the one who believes in me” “Let anyone who thirsts come to me and drink; Rivers of living water will flow from within the one who believes in me” not a direct OT quote; cf. Num 20:2-13; Isa 12:3; 44:3; 55:1 not a direct OT quote; cf. Num 20:2-13; Isa 12:3; 44:3; 55:1 Narrator: This refers to the Spirit, that believers were to receive Narrator: This refers to the Spirit, that believers were to receive not yet; since Jesus had not yet been glorified; cf. Joel 2:28-29 not yet; since Jesus had not yet been glorified; cf. Joel 2:28-29

Pentecost Sunday Year A – John 20:19-23 Year A – John 20:19-23 Jesus appears; breathes on disciples: “Receive the Holy Spirit” Jesus appears; breathes on disciples: “Receive the Holy Spirit” Same as 1 st half of reading for 2 nd Sunday of Easter (w/o Thomas) Same as 1 st half of reading for 2 nd Sunday of Easter (w/o Thomas) Year B – John 15:26-27; 16:12-15 ( optional ) Year B – John 15:26-27; 16:12-15 ( optional ) “The Paraclete, Spirit of Truth… will testify to me, and you will testify.” “The Paraclete, Spirit of Truth… will testify to me, and you will testify.” “The Spirit of Truth will guide you to all truth” “The Spirit of Truth will guide you to all truth” Year C – John 14:15-16, 23b-26 ( optional ) Year C – John 14:15-16, 23b-26 ( optional ) “The Father will give you another Paraclete, to be with you always.” “The Father will give you another Paraclete, to be with you always.” “The Paraclete, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you” “The Paraclete, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you” Vv also 6 th Sunday Easter (A); Vv. 23b-26 also 6 th Sunday Easter (C) Vv also 6 th Sunday Easter (A); Vv. 23b-26 also 6 th Sunday Easter (C)

Conclusion Use of John’s Gospel during Easter Season Use of John’s Gospel during Easter Season Resurrection Narratives: Empty Tomb Story Resurrection Narratives: Empty Tomb Story Resurrection Narratives: Appearance Stories Resurrection Narratives: Appearance Stories Jesus as the Good Shepherd Jesus as the Good Shepherd Peter & Apostles as Shepherds Peter & Apostles as Shepherds Coming of the Paraclete / Holy Spirit / Spirit of Truth Coming of the Paraclete / Holy Spirit / Spirit of Truth Believing, Seeing, Hearing, Reading Believing, Seeing, Hearing, Reading Children of God; Eternal Life Children of God; Eternal Life