Today we celebrate the Feast of St. Bartholomew. Bartholomew is referred to in the Gospel of John as Nathanael. This is the Gospel reading for today from John 1.
When Bartholomew (Nathanael) meets Jesus he asks, "How do you know me?" Jesus replies, "Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree." Nathanael replies, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel."
I was always a bit befuddled by this encounter. This is where the show "The Chosen" rocked my world. In the show, Nathanael, long before meeting Jesus, cries out to God all by himself under a fig tree in the middle of nowhere. Upon meeting Nathanael, Jesus peers into his eyes and says, "I SAW you under the fig tree." (I have to admit, I cried like a baby after that scene!) You see, even when you're all alone, even when no one else on earth sees you, Jesus SEES you. He knows you and He loves you.
Father, you know how we sometimes feel so alone, unseen by even you. Help us remember that Jesus always sees us. Amen.
If you have kids or grandkids in Catholic school, get a Good Morning Child of God canvas print to hang in their classroom as a constant reminder that they are a beloved Child of God. Order today at www.GusLloyd.com.
0 comments