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What the Fathers say
Eastern Fathers
Cyril of Alexandria
Notice again how effectually the very wise Evangelist spurs us on to a desire to live, as far as possible, in the manner most accordant with reason, and to train up the keenness of our intellectual powers so as to be able, and that with perfect ease, to act in obedience to the Divine intentions, and to endeavour, as far as in us lies, to thoroughly fulfil the conditions of the vision of God. …
Theophylact of Ohrid
Why then does John lean upon the breast of Jesus so irreverently and indecorously? Because he did not yet understand anything great about Christ, and they had not been taught to render fitting honor to those deserving of respect, for they were fishermen and unversed in propriety. The Lord allows him to recline upon His breast in order to ease his sorrow, to calm the disturbance in his soul, and in general to soothe his grief. For it was natural that much sorrow was expressed on their faces as well.
Western Saints
Augustine of Hippo
On Jesus' breast; the same as in Jesus' bosom. Or, he lay first in Jesus' bosom, and then ascended higher, and lay upon His breast; as if, had he remained lying in His bosom, and not ascended to lie on His breast, our Lord would not have told him what Peter wanted to know. By his lying at last on Jesus' breast, is expressed that greater and more abundant grace, which made him Jesus' special disciple.
Thomas Aquinas
Then when he says, So lying thus, close to the breast of Jesus, he said to him, Lord, who is it? he mentions the question. Note that when Peter was beckoning to John to get him to question our Lord, John was leaning near the lap of Jesus. But now when John asks he is near the breast of Jesus, for the breast is closer to the mouth than the lap is. And so John moved from the lap of Christ to his breast so he could hear his answer more quietly and privately. …
Bonaventure
And so when he had leaned back upon the breast of Jesus, as one beloved and intimate and close, which is a sign of love: Song of Songs, last chapter: "Who is this who comes up from the desert, abounding in delights, leaning upon her beloved?" He said to him: Lord, who is it? Supply: namely, who will betray you. …
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