The linen wrappings in the tomb are an invitation. They indicate that Jesus' body has not been moved away or stolen.

Jesus does not force Mary Magdalene, Peter or John to believe that he has risen. Rather, Jesus invites them to trust the loving relationship he shared with them for three years and now extends to them from beyond death. By way of the empty tomb Jesus offers them a sign. For John this invitation is enough - he believes.

St John's personal experience of Jesus' love in his life leads him to trust Jesus. It later leads him to witness to Jesus through his writings and life. John and Jesus shared a special friendship. This inspired John. It sustained John. This friendship transformed an ordinary fisherman into a loving witness.

In his letter, we see that John now offers this invitation to us. He explains that he and his community have "seen" and "touched" Jesus - the word of life. He is real and is alive now. We too can enter into the fullness of life with the Father through this same Jesus.

Have I ever sensed Jesus inviting me to friendship with him? If so, how did I respond?