The Beloved Disciple ... per Scott Hahn

[BRB]

John we would say.

But, John had another intent for using the term the way he did in his writings. Scott says John desired all Christians to think of themselves as the beloved [favorite] of Christ. John’s ever deeply spiritual messages were written to convey the fact that Christ had no single favorite. We are all equally ‘prized’ by Christ … if we remain faithful disciples to the end.

Some examples from scripture to demonstrate:

Mary was given to John for mother/son relationship by Christ on Cross. We too, as the ‘beloved’ are to see Mary as our spiritual mother.

Early church fathers saw in John’s writings and experienced this connection to Mary … and caused them to believe her ever virgin, immaculately conceived, and bodily assumed to heaven to serve as mother to all the future ‘beloved’ catholics.

Revelations depicts Mary as alive, in heaven, and in constant warfare with satan … on behalf of the beloved.

Christ seeks the wayward beloved Christians [lost sheep, prodigal sons/daughters] with tireless efforts. Not just the firstborn gets the ‘fatted calf’ feast of homecoming honor.

Teaching of Christ that even the least in heaven is of infinite value to Him. The last [least] shall be first, etc.

Christ’s teachings that what He claims for the Father’s Kingdom via constant interventions, prayer, etc. … He will not lose.

 

[Ron_Conte]

This idea that the beloved disciples is each and all of us is not original to Scott Hahn. It is a very old teaching, going back perhaps even to the early Church.

This meaning of the term does not preclude that it also refers to John. On the historical level of meaning, it is John, on the spiritual level of meaning, it is each of us.

Also, it seems clear from the ending of John’s Gospel that his Gospel was edited and added to by later inspired authors. They may have been the ones to change the wording to say the disciple whom Jesus loved.

 

[BRB]

This idea that the beloved disciples is each and all of us is not original to Scott Hahn. It is a very old teaching, going back perhaps even to the early Church.

.

Yes, Scott attributes this idea to writings of early Church Fathers [particularily re: Mary]. The Church has appreciated this for 2000 years, long before Scott came on scene, noticed, and speaks of.

 

[Strategery]

Can we also say that each of us runs faster than Peter?

Just adding a little levity.

 

[puzzleannie]

John we would say.

But, John had another intent for using the term the way he did in his writings. Scott says John desired all Christians to think of themselves as the beloved [favorite] of Christ. John’s ever deeply spiritual messages were written to convey the fact that Christ had no single favorite. We are all equally ‘prized’ by Christ … if we remain faithful disciples to the end.
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this is actually the understanding of the term I was taught in my Catholic HS, post V2 BTW