Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: August 24, 2023

Date in the Ordine: Feast of St. Bartholomew

Scripture Text: John 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."

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel text for today gives us the account of the call of Nathanael (believed to be Batholomew in Christian tradition). Today’s text comes immediately after the account of Andrew following Jesus because he hears John the Baptist refer to Jesus as “the Lamb of God” and bringing his brother Simon Peter to Jesus.

Philip, too, had followed Jesus after hearing John the Baptist’s words. And like Andrew, Philip, went and found another, Nathanael, with whom to share the Good News of Jesus. When Nathanael questioned “Can anything good come from Nazareth?”, Philip shows us his true understanding of discipleship – inviting another to encounter Christ.

Nathanael’s encounter with Christ does result in his conversion and his acknowledging Jesus’ as the Messiah.

How does this pertain to us today?

We are the modern Philips in this world. Our discipleship demands that we act as Philip and bring Christ to others and seek to bring others to Christ. Our discipleship calls us to invite others to this transformative encounter.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Have I opened myself to the scriptures and to the words of believers? Have I surpassed hearing about Jesus to following Jesus, to drawing near to Him, seeking to know Him? Do I invite others to meet Christ?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, You sent your only begotten and beloved Son to dwell among us and to reconcile us to You through His selfless sacrifice for us. Through Him and His teaching and miracles, You have been revealed more fully. Send you Spirit to open our minds and hearts to your power and presence, your love and mercy. Grant that we may hear Christ’s call to discipleship and follow in His footsteps as we journey home. We ask this in the name of your Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ who lives and reins with You and the Holy Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.