Gospel: John 1:45-51
Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the law, and the prophets: he is Jesus, son of Joseph, from Nazareth.”
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.”
Reflection
God sees and knows us fully.
The gospel highlights the encounter between Nathanael (often identified as St. Bartholomew) and Jesus, revealing profound truths about faith, identity, and divine revelation. When Philip tells Nathanael about Jesus, Nathanael skeptically asks, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Yet, his doubt is transformed into belief when he meets Jesus, who knows him deeply, calling him "a true Israelite in whom there is no deceit."
This feast reminds us of the transformative power of encountering Christ. Nathanael's skepticism reflects our doubts, yet Jesus invites us to come and see—to move beyond our hesitations and discover His truth. His intimate knowledge of Nathanael reassures us that God sees and knows us fully, even amid our doubts and struggles.
As Nathanael proclaims, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God," we are inspired to respond with faith and trust. Let us honor St. Bartholomew by seeking Christ wholeheartedly, embracing His call
to discipleship, and trusting in the promise of greater things to come.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2026