Seeing greater things

Daily Catholic Lectio

Seeing greater things

 

Thursday, 5 January 2023

Christmas Weekday of January 5

 

(First Reading: 1 Jn 3:11-21; Gospel Reading: Jn 1:43-51)

 

“You will see greater things than these” – Jesus answers Nathanael with these words. The gospel reading has three small but profound acts. In the first act, Jesus, finding Philip, tells him, ‘follow me.’ The second act has Philip calling Nathanael, ‘come and see.’ In the third act, Jesus dialoguing with Nathanael, tells him, ‘you will see greater things than these.’ In the first act, Jesus sees; in the second, Philip sees; and in the third, Nathanael sees. Through Nathanael the invitation is extended to each one of us, who are distant to Jesus in space and time. 

 

There is a movement in the text. Philip moves towards Jesus, then towards Nathanael, who moves to Jesus. Nathanael’s confession – ‘You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!’ – in fact becomes the closing words of the Gospel of John. Jesus’ revelation about Nathanael leads him to his confession. Nathanael, who was under the fig tree, i.e., under the study of the Law, now comes to witness the One whom the Law and the Prophets pointed out. Nathanael saw Jesus with his eyes of faith. In ‘Jesus of Nazareth’ he saw a teacher (‘Rabbi’), ‘Son of God,’ and ‘King of Israel.’ We witness the transformation of two persons here: Philip, and Nathanael. Philip’s confession was indirect, while that of Nathanael was direct. Transformation is contagious. Transformation can’t be contained within oneself.

 

Reflect, how in the heart of our hearts Jesus whispers to follow him. Movement towards him necessarily involves movement towards our neighbours. The prejudiced neighbours could become bold witnesses if they are brought to the revelation by Jesus. 

 

Let us ask, (i) Do I follow Jesus promptly as did Philip? (ii) Am I able to share my God experience with others? (iii) When God reveals Godself to me, do I surrender? 

 

Resolve today to be like Nathanael, a person in whom there was no guile / deceit. To be without guile means to speak your mind to your friend, and to surrender your will to your God.

 

The first reading (cf. 1 Jn 3:11-21) concludes with lovely words: “If our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God.” Nathanael’s confidence before Jesus came from the truth of his heart. He loved Jesus not in word or talk but in deed and in truth. And he followed Him till the end.

 

Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi

Archdiocese of Madurai