Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: August 24, 2024

Date: Saturday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time/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 for today recounts the call and conversion of Nathanael from the opening chapter of the Gospel of John. Philip’s invitation to Nathanael set this in motion and reminds us of our own discipleship and inviting others to meet Christ.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I go out of my way to invite others to meet Christ?

Praying:

LORD, Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior, You came among us as our brother. You opened our minds to the power and presence of our Almighty Father through your words and actions. And through your selfless sacrifice, You conquered sin and death so that we might have life and have it in abundance. Send your Spirit to open our eyes so we might recognize You in our daily lives and our hearts so that we might love You more wholly. Give us the courage to invite others to come to see and know You. Remain with us, LORD, we pray, for we know that without You we can do nothing. Amen.