A True Child of Israel

Gospel Reflection for the Feast of Saint Bartholomew(Apostle)

Philip found Nathanael and told him,
“We have found the one about whom Moses wrote in the law,
and also the prophets, Jesus son of Joseph, from Nazareth.”
But Nathanael said to him,
“Can anything good come from Nazareth?”
Philip said to him, “Come and see.”
Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him,
“Here is a true child of Israel.
There is no duplicity in him.”
Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” 
Jesus answered and said to him,
“Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree.”
Nathanael answered him,
“Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.”
Jesus answered and said to him,
“Do you believe
because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree?
You will see greater things than this.”
And he said to him, “Amen, amen, I say to you,
you will see heaven opened and the angels of God
ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

~John 1: 45-51

In today’s gospel, we are introduced to Nathanael (also called Bartholomew). Though we do not hear much of Nathanael, we know he was a mighty saint. True to his word and quick to proclaim Christ as the Son of God. 

Today I want to focus on the word to describe Nathanael; duplicity, “deceitfulness in speech or conduct, as by speaking or acting in two different ways.” We can also relate this quality of Nathanael’s to hypocrisy. This man under the fig tree was not a hypocrite. Not only did Nathanael claim Christ verbally, but he lived the life Christ called him to physically. If we re-look at scripture, Christ says, 

“Here is a true child of Israel. There is no duplicity in him.” 

If we desire to be children of Israel, of God, we must have no duplicity within us. We must not be lukewarm. We must not be a hypocrite. Nathanael’s ability to be honest, sincere and transparent enabled him to reveal who Jesus is, clearly and honestly. 

Let us ask ourselves today… 

Am I living a life of truth, honesty, and full of faith? Can you see Christ clearly for who he truly is? Is there duplicity within you? 

~Saint Bartholomew, Ora Pro Nobis.

My brothers and sisters in Christ let us praise the Lord this day and always!