Christmas Time January 5, 2019
Reflection on the WORD
“Come and See”: In today’s Gospel, Philip the apostle, invited Nathanael to “come and see” where Jesus lived and to listen to His Words of Wisdom. Like Nathanael, if we are open and sincere in seeking God’s Truth and Love, we will experience a conversion and renewal of our faith. Will you accept Jesus’ invitation to “come and see” Him in your heart?
Jn 1:43-49
After Jesus had decided to leave for Galilee, he met Philip and said, ‘Follow me.’ Philip came from the same town, Bethsaida, as Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, ‘We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph, from Nazareth.’
Nathanael said to him, ‘From Nazareth? Can anything good come from that place?’ Philip replied, ‘Come and see.’ When Jesus saw Nathanael coming he said of him, ‘There, truly, is an Israelite in whom there is no deception.’ Nathanael asked, ‘How do you know me?’ Jesus replied, ‘Before Philip came to call you, I saw you under the fig tree.’
Nathanael answered, ‘Rabbi, you are the Son of God, you are the king of Israel.’
Today's Pointers on God's Word
As you read the passage what words, phases or meanings caught your attention?
- •Philip responded promptly to Jesus’ call to be His disciple as he was able to see, sense and believe that Jesus is the Messiah that the Prophets had prophesized. He then goes out of his way to urge others, including Nathanael, to listen and follow Jesus.
- •When we sense Jesus’ Spirit prompting us to pray, encourage someone to seek Jesus more, show compassion to the poor and needy, forgive someone who has hurt us and the like, how promptly do we respond?
- •Begin each day with a morning offering of thanksgiving for the day. End each day with a prayer also of thanksgiving for what you have received, regardless of what happened. This is a way of living in God’s Providence.