Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint John Neumann, Bishop
Readings: 1 Jn 3:11-21; PS 100:1b-2, 3, 4, 5; Jn 1:43-51
Notes
Unexpectedly called into the Food Bank to work today. It’s 9:00 PM, my first chance to get back to the daily reflection.
In today’s gospel portion Nathanael is challenging the authenticity of Jesus’ understanding of who he is. “How do you know me?” To which Jesus replies “Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree.” There is much that can be said about this exchange. But given the late hour I will focus on a very narrow point but one of major importance. There is a direct and important challenge Nathanael is making. How is it you can know me?
Dolonia – A state of unease prompted by people who seem to like you too much, which makes you wonder if they must have you confused with someone else—someone flawless, selfless, or easy to understand from a distance —feeling vaguely disappointed that they’re unwilling to spend the time it takes getting to know the real you. Derived from Ancient Greek εἴδωλον (eídōlon), a phantom image of an ideal form. Source: https://wordket.com/2024/01/04/dolonia/#
Jesus has the obligation to answer him. We struggle with the answer but Nathanael did not as he is deeply versed in the qualities of the response. Jesus can be said to be alluding to Micah 4:4 and Zechariah 3:10 , For those awaiting the Messiah these promises are deeply held truths. To hear them spoken with such convincing power would by itself be proof alone. But Jesus adds, And he said to him, “Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see the sky opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.
[Jacob] When he came upon a certain place, he stopped there for the night, since the sun had already set. Taking one of the stones at the place, he put it under his head and lay down in that place. Then he had a dream: a stairway rested on the ground, with its top reaching to the heavens; and God’s angels were going up and down on it (Gen 28:11-12). I am with you and will protect you wherever you go, and bring you back to this land. I will never leave you until I have done what I promised you (Gen 28:15).
The promise made to Jacob is repeated to Nathanael. I am with you and will protect you wherever you go, and bring you back to this land. I will never leave you until I have done what I promised you (Gen 28:15).
Summary
The Lord doesn’t mind we challenge the “knowing” part of relations. I hope you didn’t simply believe the first “I love you” someone utters to you without first determining the possible lack of depth and sincerity of the statement. How many find deep disappointment for not testing the spirit. But challenging requires listening and discerning the reply with out which you risk rejecting the good and the bad as the same thing.
Reflection
In the Apostle John’s letter he notes the life sacrifice of Jesus as sure and certain proof of his love for us. Knowing the gospel of John outlines the seven signs of Jesus and his power to aid us there is the perfect blend of power and love, deed and truth. Children, let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth.
Personal Reflection
I have always saw Nathanael as a dreamer. When he was under the fig tree he was dreaming dreams of what life could and should be like. Jesus could see his dreamers heart and respond with the assurance that the dreams are not dreams of imagination but of prophecy and promise. I love dreams. Dream good dreams. Trust Jesus hears them.
First Reading
Beloved: This is the message you have heard from the beginning: we should love one another. The way we came to know love was that he laid down his life for us; so we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. Children, let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth.
Responsorial
Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.
Gospel Acclamation
A holy day has dawned upon us. Come, you nations, and adore the Lord. Today a great light has come upon the earth.
Gospel
Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Here is a true child of Israel. There is no duplicity in him.” Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree.” Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree?
You will see greater things than this.” And he said to him, “Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see the sky opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry