Philip 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.” Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.”
When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, he said of him, “Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!” Nathanael asked him, “Where did you get to know me?” Jesus answered, “I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you.” Nathanael replied, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”
Jesus answered, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these.”And 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.”
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
Simone Weil once said that the extraordinary greatness of Christianity is not that it provides us with medicine against suffering, but that it gives perspective to suffering.
In today’s first reading, St. Paul cited the deep faith and steadfastness of the Thessalonians as they faced persecution and affliction. Their example encourages us to lean on our faith as we face the demands of life.
The crucifix is a constant reminder that suffering is part of life. Many of life’s problems and challenges have no answers; we can only live with, in and through them. When faced with crushing troubles, it is especially important to remember that we are not alone in our suffering. Our faith and our relationship with God assure us that God will never abandon us, and that he will give us patience and strength in our suffering.
Speak to God about a problem that has no answer. Then listen!
—Sister Ruth Hoerig is a writer and co-editor of Alive magazine and social media content developer for the School Sisters of St. Francis. She is author of Seeds of Hope: Catholic Sisters in Action Around the World.
Are you easily impressed? Nathanael in today’s Gospel seems to be. If someone told me they had seen me and knew me before they met me, I might wonder how, but I probably wouldn’t immediately name them the Son of God because of it. But maybe Nathanael has the right idea. What if we were more easily impressed? What if the very beat of our heart, the respiration of our lungs, the color of the sky, or the handful of peanuts we snack on at work reminded us immediately of God’s goodness to us and God’s care for us? What if in ourselves and in every person we meet, we saw the Son of Man?
How impressed am I by Jesus as I experience him in my life?
—Ken Weber is a University Minister in the Department of Student Life and Ministry at Loyola University New Orleans.
Lord, soften my heart today to recognize your grace and generosity to me in every moment.
—Ken Weber
Lord, soften my heart today to recognize your grace and generosity to me in every moment.
—Ken Weber
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Ignatian spirituality reminds us that God pursues us in the routines of our home and work life, and in the hopes and fears of life's challenges. The founder of the Jesuits, Saint Ignatius of Loyola, created the Spiritual Exercises to deepen our relationship with Christ and to move our contemplation into service. May this prayer site anchor your day and strengthen your resolve to remember what truly matters.
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