A Story About John the Apostle

"Apostle John the Theologian" 

by A.N. Mironov

A new commandment I give you: love each other. Just as I have loved you, you also must love each other. This is how everyone will know you are my disciples, by your love for each other.

Gospel of John 13.34-35

__________________

The blessed John the Evangelist lived in Ephesus until old age. His disciples could barely carry him to church and he could not muster the voice to speak many words. During individual gatherings he usually said nothing but, "Little children, love one another." 

The disciples and brothers in attendance, annoyed because they always heard the same words, finally said, "Teacher, why do you always say this?" 

He replied with a line worthy of John: "Because it is the Lord's commandment and if it alone is kept, it is sufficient."

Jerome (AD 347- 420)
Fathers of the Church, Commentary on Galatians 6.10, Andrew Cain Jerome, CUA Press, 2010