St. John the Apostle, also known as John the Evangelist, holds a unique place in Christian history. Born in Bethsaida, a fishing village on the Sea of Galilee, John was the son of Zebedee and Salome and the brother of St. James the Great. Together, the brothers worked as fishermen before Jesus called them to follow Him. This moment is vividly described in the Gospel of Matthew: “Immediately they left their boat and their father and followed Him” (Matthew 4:22).
The Beloved Disciple
Among the apostles, John is uniquely referred to as “the disciple whom Jesus loved” (John 13:23). This special bond is most poignantly illustrated during the Last Supper when John leaned on Jesus’ breast and asked about the identity of the betrayer (John 13:25). He was also one of the privileged three apostles present at the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-9) and the only apostle who stood at the foot of the cross, where Jesus entrusted him with the care of His Mother, Mary: “Behold your mother” (John 19:27).
Witness to the Early Church
Following the Resurrection, John became a key figure in the early Church. Tradition holds that in 49 AD, he settled in Ephesus, where he cared for the Virgin Mary until her Assumption. During his time in Ephesus, John also wrote three epistles and the Gospel bearing his name. His Gospel, often symbolized by an eagle, soars with sublime theology, emphasizing Jesus as the eternal Word of God: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1).
Exile and Revelation
Under Emperor Domitian’s reign, John was exiled to the island of Patmos, where he received the visions recorded in the Book of Revelation. This prophetic work offers a glimpse of the heavenly liturgy and the ultimate triumph of God over evil. After Domitian’s death, John returned to Ephesus, continuing his ministry and writing.
Legacy of Love
According to early Christian tradition, John lived to an advanced age, the only apostle not to die a martyr’s death. His final years were marked by a simple yet profound message to his followers: “My little children, love one another.” When asked why he repeated this teaching, he replied, “Because it is the word of the Lord, and if you keep it, you do enough.”
Significance Today
St. John the Evangelist’s life is a testament to the transformative power of Christ’s love. His teachings on love, unity, and faith continue to inspire Christians around the world. His writings, including the Gospel of John, the three Epistles of John, and the Book of Revelation, provide valuable insights into the life and teachings of Jesus, emphasizing the importance of love and the promise of eternal life.
Veneration and Feast Days
In the Catholic Church, St. John the Apostle is venerated as a model of divine love and loyalty. His feast day is celebrated on December 27, the third day of Christmas, which honors his profound love for Christ and his role as a theologian of divine love[1](https://catholicvote.org/third-day-of-christmas-catholic-traditions-for-the-feast-of-john-the-beloved/).
One unique tradition associated with his feast day is the blessing of wine, known as the “Love of St. John.” This tradition commemorates a miracle attributed to him, where he drank poisoned wine unharmed. The blessing of the wine is a prayer for protection and blessing for those who drink it[1](https://catholicvote.org/third-day-of-christmas-catholic-traditions-for-the-feast-of-john-the-beloved/).
The prayer for blessing the wine, preserved in the old Roman Ritual, reads as follows:
Bless and consecrate, O Lord God, this chalice of wine through the merits of St. John, Apostle and Evangelist. Bestow benediction and protection upon all who drink of this cup. For as the Blessed John partook of the poisoned potion without any hurt, so may all who on this day drink of the blessed wine to the honor of St. John, by him be freed from poisoning and similar harmful things. And as they offer themselves soul and body to thee, O Lord God, give them absolution and pardon. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
In many regions, families bring their finest wine to be blessed in church. The “Love of St. John” wine, or Johannesminne, is shared among household members during a solemn meal. Each family member passes the blessed wine with the words: “I drink to the love of St. John,” to which the recipient replies, “I thank you for the love of St. John.”[1](https://catholicvote.org/third-day-of-christmas-catholic-traditions-for-the-feast-of-john-the-beloved/)
