RBWords

    We have to admit from the outset that there is some identity confusion in the tradition!  Matthew, Mark and Luke say "Bartholomew."  John says "Nathanael."  All four associate him with Philip somehow!  In thinking about the first scripture for today with its lines about the foundation stones bearing the names of the apostles, the imagination is tempted to wonder if one brick has "Bartholomew (Nathanael)" written on it!  Whichever name prevails, the Gospel of John provides us with a wonderful example of an encounter with Jesus.

     The opening scene has Nathanael sitting under a fig tree minding his own business!  Philip comes with exciting news:  "We have found the one....Jesus, son of Joseph, from Nazareth."  Nathanael shows what must have been a popular bias: "Can anything good come from Nazareth?"  Philip responds with the classic line from the Gospel of John, "Come and see."  In the next scene, Jesus pays Nathanael a compliment: "Here is a true child of Israel.  There is no duplicity in him."  The remainder of the dialogue shows Nathanael coming to faith in Jesus.  This process takes place over and over again in the Gospel of John.  Nathanael (Bartholomew) disappears from view after this, but he remained one of the Twelve.  

     Natural skepticism (Nathanael) encounters an enthusiastic faith (Philip).  The simple invitation, "Come and see!" can result in great things.  I know from my years in campus ministry that one enthusiastic student could bring many to the church or many BACK to the church by simply inviting them to come to Mass or to the Catholic student center for some event.  "Come and see!"  When was the last time (or has there ever been a first time?) we have made that invitation?  AMEN