Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We
have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the
prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”
“Nazareth! Can anything good come from
there?” Nathanael asked.
“Come and see,” said Philip.
When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said
of him, “Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.”
“How do you know me?” Nathanael asked.
Jesus answered, “I saw you while you were
still under the fig tree before Philip called you.”
Then Nathanael declared, “Rabbi, you are
the Son of God; you are the king of Israel.”
Jesus said, “You believe because I told you I saw you under the
fig tree. You will see greater things than that.” He
then added, “Very truly I tell you, you will see ‘heaven open, and the
angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”
I found it interesting when Nathaneal had doubts and questions when speaking with Phillip about Jesus. I also was interested to know the significance of the fig tree. Jesus saw and knew Nathaneal He states, while Nathaneal was under the fig tree. This Gospel reading was read and reflected upon at today's Mass which I also found interesting and caused for more reflection. I found out the fig tree relates back to Israel which makes sense going back to my first post relating to the meaning and correlation between Israel and the fig tree. But also that Jesus had compassion and love for Israel and met them where they were at, yet guiding them as well. Nathaneal showcases doubt and hesitation at first but then is open and really sees Jesus for who He is. Nathaneal knows that Jesus will lead and guide, if only he trusts and puts his faith in Him. The saint's feast day today is St. Bartholomew also known as Nathaneal, who was one of the twelve apostles. Jesus meets us right where we are at and wants us to be honest, and open with Him, just like Nathaneal was.
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