Whenever St John gives a time indication in his Gospel, we can generally be sure that he is pointing to something of theological significance. Two time references open the passage we read today: "the evening of that same day" and "the first day of the week".

"The first day of the week" on one level states a mere fact: The Sabbath, our Saturday, ends the week, and the next day, now our Sunday, begins a new week. In this mundane fact, John is possibly hinting at the new beginning which the Resurrection brought about. The Gospel begins with: "In the beginning," hinting at the new beginning which the Resurrection brought about. The Gospel begins with: "In the beginning," hinting at a new Genesis, a new creation. Similarly Jesus' first appearance to his disciples on the first day of the week, brought them the light of his glory, just as God created light on the first day of creation. The light of Jesus' glory draws the disciples out of the darkness which the crucifixion cast upon them and their whole world.

John speaks of "life", "light" and "truth" in various combinations. Now, the light of the Resurrection reveals the truth about Jesus' life and death. This evening encounter especially elucidates the meaning of their last evening together, the evening of the Last Supper celebrating the Passover.