Gospel Jn 1:45-51
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:
"How do you know me?"
Today we celebrate the feast of St. Bartholomew. He has a rather gruesome story, as he was skinned alive and then roasted. He was Martyred for the Catholic Faith.
This Saint is one of Jesus' disciples. His friend Philip, was the person who introduced him to Jesus. When Jesus sees him coming, He sees that he is a real child of God. A child is simple and pure of heart. Then once Jesus says, "There is no duplicity in him." Nathaniel (who is Bartholomew) asks, "How do you know me?"
We all want to be known by someone. Jesus is the best person to be known by, and he knows each and every one of us. Imagine it is you Jesus is speaking to in this reading. Do you think you would recognize Jesus in the same way as Nathanael? If not, why? If yes, how do you think the conversation might continue? Do you talk to Jesus on a daily basis? I think it was because of his child like faith that Nathaniel was able to recognize Jesus.
The next time we go to Mass, I pray that Jesus will give us the grace to recognize Him in the Holy Eucharist. He is truly present. May St. Bartholomew intercede for us as we grow closer to Jesus in this very special way. St. Bartholomew, Pray for us.
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