John 1: 45-51
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.
Set Aside Our Biases
I grew up on the working-class side of town, hearing differing versions of Nathaneal’s words “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” It was hurtful and dismissive.
Nathaneal is now believed to be St. Bartholomew, whose feast we celebrate today. When Philip shares that they have found the Messiah, Nathaneal is skeptical because of Jesus’ hometown. Clearly, there’s a bias.
Despite his doubt, he meets Jesus with openness, and conversion takes place. He listens, asks questions, and re-examines his prejudice. He calls Jesus “Rabbi,” and announces: “You are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.” Holiness overcomes bias.
Today’s Gospel shows a former skeptic becoming a follower, and Jesus promising “you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man."
As we pray today, perhaps we can ask God to show us where we need to consider a change in position. What biases must we abandon to follow Jesus more closely?
—Patrice Critchley-Menor has been involved in Catholic social justice ministries for many years. She writes on living Catholic social teaching at Catholic in the 218. She and her husband, Dan have five adult children and live in Duluth, Minnesota.
Prayer
Lord, you come to us in a myriad of ways. Remind us that we can indeed find you in all things, all events, and all people. Open our eyes to see you as you are, so that we can follow you more closely. Amen.
—Jesuit Prayer team