The Gospel of John is said to be written by ‘the disciple whom Jesus loved’, St John the Apostle. Differing from the other Gospels in style, it opens with a stirring reflection of the Word made flesh and then describes seven miracles revealing Jesus’s divinity, from turning water into wine at Cana and to raising of Lazarus from the dead. Jesus’ great priestly prayer at the Last Supper and the story of his washing the disciples’ feet are also taken from this book.

This special edition of the Gospel of John, with an introduction by Fr John Hemer MHM, is published to mark the introduction of the ESV-CE translation in the new Catholic lectionary for England, Scotland and Wales. This book allows you to read and contemplate the words of the Gospel precisely as it is proclaimed at Mass. St John’s Gospel does not have a designated year in the lectionary cycle, but it supplements the entire calendar, particularly at its liturgical high points: for example, every Gospel reading during the Easter Triduum is from John.