Aug 24 2020 Reflection

Monday 24 August 2020

First Reading: RV 21:9B-14
Responsorial Psalm:
Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your Kingdom.
PS 145:10-11, 12-13, 17-18
Gospel Reading: JN 1:45-51

Today’s Note: Feast of Saint Bartholomew, Apostle

Gospel Reading:

Philip found Nathanael and told him,
“We have found the one about whom Moses wrote in the law,
and also the prophets, Jesus son of Joseph, from Nazareth.”
But Nathanael said to him,
“Can anything good come from Nazareth?”
Philip said to him, “Come and see.”
Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him,
“Here is a true child of Israel.
There is no duplicity in him.”
Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” 
Jesus answered and said to him,
“Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree.”
Nathanael answered him,
“Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.”
Jesus answered and said to him,
“Do you believe
because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree?
You will see greater things than this.”
And he said to him, “Amen, amen, I say to you,
you will see heaven opened and the angels of God
ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

Reflection:

Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him. (John 1:47)

Today we commemorate St. Bartholomew, also known as Nathanael, the central character in today’s Gospel. The story tells us a lot about conversion. Even more, it can show us that every day presents an opportunity for a new encounter with Jesus.

First, Nathanael is introduced to Jesus by his friend Philip. Philip knew Nathanael was hoping for the Messiah and was excited to introduce him to Jesus. And so it often happens for us. We encounter Jesus through another person, someone who has been touched by Jesus, who is excited about their faith, whose fervor might even call us to stretch our own way of looking at things.

Second, Nathanael’s expectations were jolted when he met Jesus. He had been pondering the Scriptures—a traditional interpretation of sitting “under the fig tree” (John 1:48)—and was convinced that the Messiah would not come from Nazareth. But after he spoke with Jesus, he was willing to consider that something good might in fact come from that small village. For us, encountering Jesus can shed light on a way of thinking or acting that needs to change. Maybe we don’t pay enough attention to caring for the poor or we feel too busy to listen to people who don’t agree with us. Jesus asks us to be open to rethink our ideas.

Third, Nathanael responded. He didn’t just say, “What a nice experience” and continue on his way as before. He professed Jesus as “the Son of God, . . . the King of Israel” and began to follow him (John 1:49).

You might experience a singular, spectacular conversion moment like Nathanael. But it’s more likely that the response Jesus wants from you is to turn your life over to him more, to say yes to him a bit more completely. 

Expect to meet Jesus today. Be on the lookout for someone through whom Jesus might be reaching out to you. How might he want to upend your expectations or call you to take the next step in following him? Today is an opportunity to encounter him. Make the most of it!

“Lord, help me to meet you today. Shake up my expectations and help me to follow you more fully.”