GOD SEES OUR POTENTIAL - 8/24/22 (Feast of Saint Bartholomew, Apostle)

John 1:47-49

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.”  

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/082422.cfm

Blessed Feast of Saint Bartholomew, Apostle! Nathanael was also known as Bartholomew. In the gospel reading for today, he was doubting at first whether Jesus was truly the Messiah because he felt that nothing good could come out of Nazareth. These words could be judgmental, but Nathanael would have a realization about this. Our Lord Jesus saw him and told him that he was a true Israelite and that he had no duplicity in him. This means that he's honest. In short, Jesus knew him before they even had an encounter. 

The same is true for us. We all have different conversion stories and encounters with Christ. Some began to be truly devoted to Jesus at a young age while others at later stages in their lives. We all have unique stories because we are unique individuals, and God has a plan for each one of us. At the same time, we should rejoice and be consoled because God knows us before we can even know Him. God loves us before we can even love Him. He knows us because we are all children of God. In the gospel, Jesus said that He saw Nathanael under the fig tree before Philip spoke to him. 

It's true that this is a display of God's power. But, there is something deeper here. Our Lord saw the potential of Nathanael. He was aware of the sins of Nathanael, but He also saw his potential and his goodness, which was the reason why Jesus said that he was a true child of Israel. We may have fallen to temptations before. We may have engaged in sins, even in grave sins. There were some times that we neglected God. And, Jesus knows all of these things. Despite it, He loves us, and He sees our potential and how our lives can be transformed by His mercy. The fig tree also symbolizes the peace that Christ offers. The fact that Nathanael was under the fig tree foreshadowed how he would be instrumental in sharing Christ's peace and gospel to many people. 

Bartholomew started judging people due to their wickedness. But, his life was changed, and he became an apostle who preached the gospel. His missionary efforts led to his martyrdom, but his blood was not in vain. Like the other apostles and martyrs, his blood became one of the seeds of the Church. Who knew that this was God's plan from a person who easily judged others? Well, only God knows. The commitment of Nathanael to follow Christ shows that our potential can only be realized in Him. Even if we struggle in this life, let's not lose hope. May we give our lives totally to Christ, especially through prayers and sacraments, because He will change us gradually, radically and completely. God will sustain our faith as we persevere to be loyal to Him like St. Bartholomew.

Amen +

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

 

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic

Life of St. Bartholomew 

https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year/saint-bartholomew---august-24/

Summary and Defense of Catholic Teachings:

https://www.catholic.com/tract/pillar-of-fire-pillar-of-truth

Ultimate Catholic Parents Guide:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ls6IcexZAls

Examination of Conscience and Guide to Sacrament of Confession:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/