John 1:45-51 NRSVue
45Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him about whom Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth.” 46Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” 47When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, he said of him, “Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!” 48Nathanael asked him, “Where did you get to know me?” Jesus answered, “I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you.” 49Nathanael replied, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” 50Jesus answered, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these.” 51And he said to him, “Very truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.”
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Some thoughts on this scripture
Reflection
Saint Bartholomew, whose feast we celebrate today, is listed among the Twelve Apostles in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke), but is not mentioned by the name Bartholomew in the Gospel of John. He also appears as one of the witnesses of the Ascension. There are many references to him in non-historical literature.
Reflection
Nathanael, whom some commentators identify with Bartholomew, is promised that as Israel (Jacob) of the Old Testament saw the Glory of God in the vision of the ladder, so he (Nathanael), who is worthy of the name Israel, will see the glory of the Son of Man at the miracle at Cana.
Reflection
We could pray today for the grace to see the glory of the Lord in all that is around us.
Reflection
‘The World is charged with the grandeur of God’ (GM Hopkins).
Reflection
I would like to see this episode from Philip's skin. He is the apostle who
introduces people to Jesus; and he would like to introduce his good friend
Nathanael (probably the same one as is called Bartholomew in the other
gospels). But Nathanael is contemptuous of a native of Nazareth. Philip does
not argue, but urges Nathanael to see for himself.
Reflection
Lord, can I speak of you to others, introduce others to you, enable them to
meet you in my words and life?