Created: 2012

Words / References:

The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” ESV John 1:29

One of them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to him. NIV John 13:23

When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he said unto his mother, “Woman, behold thy son!”
Then saith he to the disciple, “Behold thy mother!” And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home. KJV John 19:26-27

Background:

Early Christian art usually represents St. John with an eagle, symbolizing the heights to which he rises in the first chapter of his Gospel which reflects High Christology, emphasizes the Divine Jesus, uses symbolism, and altogether presents a picture of Christianity focused on the attainment of heaven. The chalice as symbolic of St. John, which, according to some authorities, was not adopted until the thirteenth century, is sometimes interpreted with reference to the Last Supper, again as connected with the legend according to which St. John was handed a cup of poisoned wine, from which, at his blessing, the poison rose in the shape of a serpent. Perhaps the most natural explanation is to be found in the words of Christ to John and James “My chalice indeed you shall drink” (Matthew 20:23). (Catholic Encyclopedia.)

I had been considering creating a piece which gave recognition to St. John for several years because it was his Gospel which inspired the Celtic church. Canon D. Hinge of Durham gave me a timely nudge and this piece is dedicated to him and the Church of St. John the Evangelist, Ingleton.