Nathanael replied, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and
see.” When Jesus saw Nathanael coming, he said of him, “Here comes an Israelite, a true
one; there is nothing false in him.” Nathanael asked him, “How do you know me?” And Jesus
said to him, “Before Philip called you, you were under the fig tree, and I saw you.”
Nathanael answered, “Master, you are the Son of God! You are the king of Israel!” But Jesus
replied, “You believe because I said, ‘I saw you under the fig tree.’ But you will see greater
things than that.
Truly, I say to you, you will see the heavens opened, and the angels of God ascending and
descending upon the Son of Man.”
Reflect
Today’s first reading from the Book of Revelation describes God’s heavenly city. The wall of
God’s city has twelve foundation stones, inscribed with the names of the Twelve Apostles.
Today, we celebrate one of those Apostles, who goes by two names in Scripture:
Bartholomew and Nathanael.
The fact that his name is uncertain makes me think about all the unnamed people in our
parishes and communities who are like those foundation stones. Though often unknown and
under-appreciated, these people keep things running. Without them, we couldn’t
accomplish much of what we do. These people are the volunteers who set up for and clean
up after events, who visit the sick and lonely, who teach catechism, who arrange meals for
new parents, and who help keep the neighborhood clean and safe. Without the efforts of
these people, it would be hard for poor parishes and communities to serve everyone who
needs help. Let us give thanks for these unnoticed foundation stones and strive to follow
their example.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2023