The Diocese of Phoenix shared a quote from the first letter of St. John on its social media feed, marking the end of 2021 and ushering in the new year; the verses were shared on Dec. 30 from the sixth day in the octave of Christmas. 

The quote from St. John comes only days after his feast day is celebrated in the Catholic Church. 

“Do not love the world or the things of the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, sensual lust, enticement for the eyes, and a pretentious life, is not from the Father but is from the world. Yet the world and its enticement are passing away.  But whoever does the will of God remains forever. //1 John 2:15-17,” the Diocese of Phoenix shared on Facebook. 

According to Christianity.com, “The reading comes from the first epistle of John, which was written by the same John who wrote one of the four Gospels. This epistle emphasizes love, faith, and God’s covenants.”

In addition to being a major author of books of the Bible, St. John was also one of the devoted followers of Christ, one of the twelve apostles. It was he who was present at a number of important and spiritually pivotal moments during the life and ministry of Jesus, including at the Transfiguration, in the Garden of Gethsemane and when Christ was dying on the Cross. 

According to the Holy Rood, “After Jesus’ death, Emperor Domitian sentenced John to be submerged into a vat of boiling oil. However, John was not injured, and everyone who witnessed this miracle converted to Christianity. He was then banished to the Greek Island of Patmos, where it is believed that he wrote the Book of Revelation. John is also credited with writing three epistles and the Gospel of John. He is the patron saint of love, loyalty, friendship, and authors.”