Saint John often is referred to as John the Beloved. It is said he was the apostle most loved by Christ. Why is that?
I don’t think anyone can know the mind of Christ. But I can speculate as to why John was so dear to our Lord. Of all the apostles, he was the youngest. Perhaps just a teenager when Jesus call him to be one of the twelve. We know Jesus had a special place in His heart for children, so it makes sense that He would take a special interest in John.
As Jesus hung from the cross, only John remained with the women to witness His ultimate sacrifice for all of mankind for all time. From the cross Jesus entrusted the care of His mother to John. This tells us that Mary had no other children, despite what the Protestants might believe. Had Jesus had brothers, Mary would have been cared for by the eldest surviving male child. There was no male child to care for her, so Jesus appointed John this task. It has been argued that there are references to brothers and sisters of Christ found in scripture. We know Joseph was older than Mary. His children would have been called brothers and sisters of Jesus, just as any cousins would have also been thought of as siblings since there is no Hebrew word for cousin. Perhaps these relatives would have been entrusted to care for Mary, but none of them were present at His death.
He knew and trusted John. But there is more to this than simply the care of Mary. It is symbolic – that Mary is our Heavenly Mother, we are her children. I don’t know about you, but there is such comfort in knowing she is my advocate. As it Saint John.
O God, who through the blessed Apostle John
Have unlocked for us the secrets of Your Word,
Grant, we pray,
That we may grasp with proper understand
What he has so marvelously brought to our ears.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son
Who lives and reigns with You
In unity with the Holy Spirit,
One God for ever and ever.
Amen
Herb-Crusted Salmon with Pasta Florentine
Herb-Crusted Salmon
1 teaspoon fresh Oregano Leaves
1 teaspoon fresh Thyme Leaves
4 Salmon Filets
1/2 tablespoon Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon Parsley Flakes
2 tablespoons Basil Olive Oil, divided
1/2 teaspoon Salt
Fresh Black Pepper to taste
1-1./2 cups White Wine
Mince oregano and thyme leaves. Rinse salmon, pat dry. In a small bowl, mix garlic power with parsley flakes.
Rub salmon fillets with 1 tablespoon olive oil and the minced herbs. Season with salt, pepper and garlic powder mixture.
Heat a sauté pan or small skillet over medium heat. Add remaining olive oil. Pan sear salmon, skin side down, for 5 minutes. Carefully life salmon, sear presentation side down for 3 minutes longer or until desired doneness is reached. Let salmon rest for 2 minutes before serving.
While the salmon rests, deglaze the pan with white wine.
Pasta Florentine
8 oz Vermicelli Pasta
2 Garlic Cloves
4 Green Onions
1 tablespoon fresh Basil
1 cup Grape Tomatoes
1 tablespoon Basil Olive Oil
2 cups fresh Spinach
1/2 cup Half-and-Half
1 tablespoon Butter
1/4 cup shaved Parmesan Cheese
Bring a stock pot of water to a boil. Cook pasta al dente, according to package direction. Drain and keep warm.
Peel and thinly slice garlic. Slice green onions and basil. Cut tomatoes in half. Set aside.
Heat a sauté pan or skillet over medium heat. Add oil, sauté garlic and green onions. Add the wine from the deglazed pan.
Add pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat. Add spinach, tomatoes and basil. Stir quickly with tongs. Slowly add half-and-half, let simmer for 2 minutes. Off heat add butter. Serve and enjoy, garnished with shaved parmesan.
The LORD is king; let the earth rejoice;
let the many isles be glad.
Clouds and darkness are around Him,
justice and judgment are the foundation of His throne.
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