Vatican City (AsiaNews) –A model and lesson of "frankness in confessing one's faith", setting it above "all costs or human interests", John was the apostle at the heart of the reflection of Benedict XVI to around 20,000 people who came for the general audience. At the end, he called for greater respect for nature "entrusted by God to the industrious and responsible hands of mankind".

John, "son of Zebedee and brother of James", is "another very important member of the Apostolic College": He is, in fact, "always part of the restricted group that Jesus took with him on specific occasions". Thus, among other occasions, "he follows him when he climbs the mountain to be transfigured (cfr Mk 9:2); he is at his side on the Mount of Olives when, before the imposing greatness of the Temple of Jerusalem, he announces the end of the city and the world (cfr Mk 13:3); and finally, he is close at hand when in the Garden of Gethsemane, he draws apart to pray to the Father before the Passion (cfr Mk 14:33). Shortly before Easter, when Jesus chooses two disciples to send to prepare the room for the Supper, he entrusts this task to him and to Peter (cfr Lk 22:8)."

Benedict XVI continued: "This distinguished position in the group of the Twelve makes the initiative taken one day by their mother somehow understandable." She had asked Jesus that her two sons, John and James, "'may sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.' As we are aware, Jesus replied by asking a question in his turn: he asked if they would be able to drink the cup that he was about to drink' (cfr Mt 20:22). The intention behind his words was to open the eyes of the two disciples, to introduce them to the knowledge of the mystery of his person and to cast a shadow over their future, in which they were called to be witnesses to the extent of the supreme trial by blood."

"In the Church of Jerusalem," said the Pope, "John occupied a place of importance in the leadership of the first grouping of Christians. Paul in fact included him among those called the 'pillars' of that community" (cfr Gal 2:9). "We should remember especially what he said, together with Peter, before the Sanhedrin when he was being tried: 'For we cannot keep from speaking about we have seen and heard' (Acts 4:20). It is precisely this frankness in confessing his faith that remains an example and lesson for all of us to be always ready to decisively proclaim our unwavering belonging to Christ, setting faith above any costs or human interests".

Benedict XVI then recalled the "cult of John the Apostle was confirmed to have started in the city of Ephesus where, according to ancient tradition, he worked for a long time, dying at last an extraordinarily old age, under the rule of the Emperor Trajan". Further, "in Byzantine iconography, he is often depicted as very old and in the act of intense contemplation, practically an attitude that invites silence. In effect, without proper contemplation, it is impossible to approach the supreme mystery of God and his revelation. This explains why, years ago, the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Athenagoras, he who Pope Paul VI embraced in a memorable encounter, would say: 'John is at the origin of our highest spirituality. Like him, the 'silent' know that mysterious exchange of hearts, they invoke the presence of John and their heart is ignited' (O. Clément, Dialogue with Athenagoras, 1972, p.159). The Lord, he added, helps us to undergo the school of John to learn the great lesson of love so that we will feel loved by Christ 'to the end' (Jn 13:1) and lay down our life for Him".

It was after the conclusion of his address and greetings in different languages that Benedict XVI turned his attention to "those taking part in the Symposium to safeguard creation, which will take place in the coming days in Brazil." He added: "I hope that this important initiative, promoted by the Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew I, will contribute to promoting ever more respect for nature, entrusted by God to the industrious and responsible hands of man."