It is this disciple who testifies to these things and has written them, and we know that his testimony is true.
There are also many other things that Jesus did, but if these were to be described individually, I do not think the whole world would contain the books that would be written. (John 21:25-26 NABRE)
Today, on the last day of the Easter season, we read the conclusion of John's gospel. What fascinates me is his perception of himself, the community, and Jesus.
If you read back a few verses (John 21:20-23), it is clear that John considered himself one of Jesus' closest friends. In verse 25 above, he tells us he has written this testimony about Jesus (the gospel itself). And he points out that the entire Christian community at the time knew and acknowledged that what he wrote was true. In other words, John was as close to Jesus as anyone could be and his recollection is confirmed by others at the time who also knew Jesus.
Verse 26 hints at the extent of Jesus' signs while he was living among the disciples. Perhaps John is indulging in a small bit of hyperbole, or perhaps he is straining reason to express the full breadth and depth of the impact of Jesus' works, when he tells us that his gospel only recounts a small portion of the many things that Jesus did.
Today, on this Saturday of the Seventh Week of Easter, I will reaffirm my belief in the Spirit-led testimonies of the Apostles, including John, who knew Jesus personally.
Blessed Oscar Arnulfo Romero, martyred in San Salvador in 1980, whose beatification today reminds us of the saints in our midst, pray for us.
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