In today's Gospel, Philip conveyed the Good News to Nathanael that he found Jesus. Instead of having a grateful heart, however, Nathanael doubted. His prejudice against Nazareth as producing no good prevailed. Despite being rejected, Philip insisted Nathanael to come with him and see Jesus. The invitation caused Nathanael to have an extraordinary encounter with the Lord that vanished his doubts.

Pondering on the Gospel, I remember my own experience of searching for God in my life. I had been away from the Church for several years because of spiritual dryness. I found no joy in attending masses. I considered Sunday celebrations as an obligation rather than an opportunity to deepen my intimacy with God. Nothing kept me excited whenever I would go to the Church. Things changed when I met my religious education instructor. I did not know why I felt so much excitement in attending her class. I admired how she understands and lives out her faith. I believed she was sent by God to inspire me to redirect my life towards Him. Through her, I did not simply find the Lord but also heard his call for me towards the priestly vocation.

Nathanael was blessed to have Philip. Today's Gospel invites me to become, like Philip, an instrument to draw many people closer to God. To become one, I need to re-assess my relationship with God. Having a deep personal relationship with Him will enable me to talk and share more about God to others. Moreover, it reminds me of my responsibility to look after our brethren who are struggling in their faith. It is our mission to walk beside them and lead them on the path where they will encounter God. Joy will surely be incomparable if someone close to me will be reconnected with the Lord.

By: Sem. Bryan S. Valenzuela

Today's Gospel

Jn 1:45-51

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."