St. John the Apostle

St. John the Apostle (http://topericons.blogspot.com/2007_04_01_archive.html)

Saint John the Apostle was born in 6 B.C. in Galilee. He was the son of Zebedee and brother of Saint James the Greater, another fellow apostle under Jesus Christ. Eastern Orthodox Church gives his mother's name as Salome. Saint John was a fisherman with James and his father on Lake of Genesareth. He first was a disciple of St. John the Baptist and then later Jesus Christ.

St. John had a very prominent position with Jesus and the Apostles. He, along with Saint James and Saint Peter, were the only ones present for the raising of Jairus' daughter. He was also present at the Transfiguration, when Moses and Elijah appeared to Jesus. He was there at the Agony in Gethsemane. He was sent into the city to prepare for the Last Supper and at the Last Supper itself, he was seated right next to Jesus. He was also the only Apostle at Calvary when Jesus died. Saint John was the first Apostle to believe that Jesus had risen, as well.

St. John the Apostle (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Hans_Memling_039.jpg)

St. John the Apostle is also known by the name St. John the Evangelist. His feast day is December 27 and he is venerated in all of Christianity, not just Catholicism. In the Eastern Church his feast day is September 26 and May 8. Symbols connected to him are a book, a chalice and an eagle. He is the patron saint of authors, and against burns and poisons.

St. John the Apostle's motivation for following Jesus was based on plain old faith. He was but a fisherman when Jesus came to him and asked him to follow him and be a fisher of men. He didn't have much reason to follow him besides what Jesus had told him and that's how we can all live life - following Jesus when we meet and him and taking His word with us where ever we go.

St. John the Apostle is a great example for all of us to follow. He was a simple fisherman until Jesus asked him to come with. He probably had hundreds of reasons to turn this down but he didn't. He followed Jesus until he died and had a special place with Jesus as the disciple whom Jesus loved. We can all take something from his great example and follow the Lord where ever he asks us to go.