Happy Monday, everyone! Today is the Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael! The scripture we will reflect on comes from the alternate readings for today.
In today’s Gospel reading, we are introduced to Nathanael, who is brought to Jesus by Philip. Before Nathanael can speak a word to Jesus, while he is still approaching Him, Jesus reveals something deeply personal about Nathanael. He says, “Here is a true child of Israel. There is no duplicity in him.” Nathanael, most likely surprised, asks Jesus how He knows him. Jesus then reveals to Nathanael where he was and what he was doing. Not only did Jesus know Nathanael, but He was also aware of his very actions.
Sometimes, it is easy for us to see Jesus only as human—as a great oracle, sage, or wise man whom we should imitate. But Jesus is far more than that. He is the Son of God; He is God Himself. It is crucial that we do not lose sight of this fundamental truth of the Christian faith. Jesus is 100% human, but He is also 100% God. Just as with Nathanael, He knows us deeply and personally. He knows us better than we could ever know ourselves. He is the Creator. If Jesus were merely a wise man who lived long ago, we could not have a relationship with Him or encounter Him in our own time. Jesus, being God, reaches out to us through time and seeks that encounter with us. Jesus took a personal interest in Nathanael, and He also takes a personal interest in each of us. He desires all to come to Him, and if they do, “You will see greater things than this. Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”