Today we read the end of the Gospel of St. John. This is specifically the end of the appendix that the Johannine community added to the original text. In this case, it is an intentionally significant fragment. The Risen Lord appears to his disciples and renews them in his following, particularly Peter. This is followed by the text that we proclaim today in the liturgy.

The figure of the beloved disciple is central to this fragment and indeed to the entire Gospel of St. John. It may refer to a specific person—the disciple John—or it may be the figure behind whom every disciple loved by the Master can situate themselves. Whatever its significance, the text helps provide an element of continuity to the experience of the Apostles. The Risen Lord assures his presence in those who wish to be followers.

"What if I want him to remain until I come?" (Jn 21:22) may indicate this continuity more than a chronological element in space and time. The beloved disciple becomes a witness to all this to the extent that he is aware that the Lord remains with him in every occasion. This is why he can write and why his word is true, because he reflects with his pen the continued experience of those who live their mission in the midst of the world, experiencing the presence of Jesus Christ. Each one of us can be the beloved disciple to the extent that we allow ourselves to be guided by the Holy Spirit, who helps us discover this presence.

This text already prepares us to celebrate tomorrow, Sunday, the Solemnity of Pentecost, the Gift of the Spirit: "and the Advocate descended from heaven, the Guardian and Sanctifier of the Church, the Director of souls, the Pilot of the storm-tossed, the Enlightener of the wandering, to preside over the combat and crown the victors." (Saint Cyril of Jerusalem).