Our Catholic tradition is that Nathanael, who John refers to in his Gospel, is the same person as St. Bartholomew, who is one of the twelve apostles. Like all of us, he received a call to be an apostle. His call however does not come directly from Jesus but through a mediator who is Phillip. Christ calls many of us through a mediator also such as our spouse, a member of the clergy, or our Cursillo sponsor. Nathanael is skeptical at first, like most of us, but agrees to go and meet Jesus.
When Jesus sees him, he is sitting under a fig tree. Perhaps he was having lunch, or perhaps he was pondering who this Jesus really was. Whether he was contemplating on God or not, the important thing is that he was enjoying quiet time away. That’s an important message for each one of us who are caught up in the demands of life and children. Right now the kids are back in school which means they need to be dropped off and picked up each day. There are sports also such as soccer and little league. One of my friend’s daughter had three soccer games this weekend. These demands pull us in many different directions so that we are exhausted at the end of the day.
Perhaps we can learn from Nathanael. Go and find your own fig tree where you can have some quiet time in prayer. For me it’s my “prayer chair “. For others it’s the Adoration Chapel. If you don’t have such a place, find one where it’s easiest for you to pray and reflect. Quiet yourself and let the promises of Jesus fill your heart and mind.
St. Joseph, pray for us !
DeColores, Deacon Doug
