Reflection for Tuesday, 21week in Ordinary Time

By


Fr. Aloysius Santiago sdb
Rector and Parish Priest
Don Bosco Shrine
Lingarajapuram, Bangalore

Feast of St. Bartholomew

Reflection of Today's WORD of GOD

John 1:46-47

“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.”


ABOUT ST. BARTHOLOMEW

The Identity of St. Bartholomew is Something of a Puzzle. He is Listed Among the 12 Apostles of CHRIST in All 3 Synoptic Gospels (Matthew 10:1-4; Mark 3:13-19 & Luke 6:12-16) & also as Being Present at the Ascension, (Acts 1:4,12,13) — & Each Time He is Put Alongside the Apostle Philip. In John's Gospel, He is Traditionally Identified with Nathanael, who is Portrayed as Philip’s Friend (John 1: 45-51) Nathanael is Described as initially Doubting that the Messiah could Come from Nazareth (“Can Anything Good Come from Nazareth?”) But JESUS Calls Him “A Man in Whom there is No Deception.” Some Trace the Enigmatic Phrase “when U were Under the Fig Tree, I Saw U” to a Jewish Metaphor Referring to Studying the Torah.

At any Rate, Nathanael soon Recognizes JESUS as “Son of GOD” & “King of Israel.”

Today’s REFLECTION based on the first reading could Focus Either on the Personal Touch in Nathanael’s Vocation — as an Individual who was Called by Name, & One who was Totally Understood by JESUS; Or on the General Vocation of the 12, as the Foundational Group whom JESUS Chose to Lead & Guide HIS CHURCH. In that Case, the Imagery from Revelation 12 Angels; 12 City Gates; 12 Foundation Stones is Seen to Reflect the Transition from the Old Israel (of the 12 Tribes) to the New City of GOD, Founded by JESUS on the Faith & Fidelity of HIS 12 Original Missionaries ( “Apostles”).


Marked by Sincerity

JESUS Pays Bartholomew who is Traditionally Identified with Nathanael a Lovely Compliment, “Here is an Israelite, “In Whom There is No Deceit.” JESUS Admired His Openness & Honesty. Even His Dusty Opinion about Nazareth, “Can Anything Good Come Out of Nazareth?” was, at least, an Honest Opinion; It was what He Believed. Nathanael went on to Recognize that His Honest Opinion about Nazareth was a Mistaken One. He Came to See that JESUS from Nazareth was None Other than the Son of GOD & the King of Israel.

Nathanael’s Honesty & Generosity of heart can be an Inspiration to Us on This His Feast Day. The Final Word of the Gospel, however, is Given to JESUS, Not to Nathanael. It Takes the Form of that Wonderful Promise JESUS Makes to Him, “U will See Greater Things… U will See Heaven Laid Open &, above the Son of Man, the Angels of GOD Ascending & Descending.” We may have a Certain Insight into JESUS, a Certain Appreciation of HIM, like Nathanael, but JESUS Assures Us that there is so Much More to See & Appreciate.

GOD Bless Us All Today Alleluia!

Happy Feast to U All.