Isidore was born in Cartagena, where his father was the Roman Governor, but he was sent to school at Seville, where his elder brother (St Leander of Seville) became one of his teachers.

Peter must have felt terribly guilty about denying Jesus three times. When the risen Jesus appears to Peter, Jesus offers him three opportunities to reaffirm his love and be reconciled (John 21:15-19). 

The Gospel of John most closely resembles the other three Gospels in its stories of Jesus’ trial, death, and Resurrection. But even here, John’s unique portrayal of Jesus is seen.

As angels had hovered over Jesus’ cradle, they likewise attended His tomb. In the still of the night, they filled the skies of Bethlehem with the first Gloria in excelsis Deo, heralding the good news of Jesus’ birth. In the hushed silence of the garden tomb, they filled the hearts of three grieving women with joy brighter than the rising sun.

Early on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene returns. Love never rests. It is still dark, but the Light is already scattering the darkness. Rabbinic tradition held that mourning for the dead was at its greatest on the third day. Mary’s grief is intense.

Mary Magdalene first appears in the last Gospel at the cross. The first three Gospel writers show us Mary standing in the distance. However, the fourth Gospel moves Mary to the foot of the cross (John 19:25). This direction is theological.