Calling of Philip and Nathaniel.
“On the following day, He would go forth into Galilee, and He findeth Philip. And Jesus saith to him: ‘Follow me.’ Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip findeth Nathaniel and saith to him: ‘We have found Him of Whom Moses in the law and the prophets did write, Jesus, the Son of Joseph of Nazareth’” (John 1, 43–45).
First Prelude: Picture Jesus calling these two disciples.
Second Prelude: Replenish my heart, O Jesus, with a lively faith, which will regulate my whole life according to Thy good pleasure, and make me persevering in Thy service.
First Point
The Calling and the Zeal of Philip
As Simon Peter had been called by his brother Andrew, so Philip and Nathaniel were led to Jesus by their friends. They had often listened in common to the sermons of the precursor, and, beyond a doubt, had often conversed about the kingdom of God and of the expected Messiah, the hope and the salvation of Israel. Thus they mutually confirmed and animated each other in their holy expectations and in the zeal for the law of God. What a powerful influence is exerted upon us by the example of those with whom we live! Intercourse with zealous religious impels us to be likewise zealous, whereas tepidity and imperfections easily exercise a pernicious influence. What is the character of our example and our discourses?
When Philip came to the Master, the latter looked at him lovingly and said: “Follow Me.” O powerful glance! O almighty word of Jesus, you move the disciple instantly to follow Jesus. O my Saviour, how often hast Thou said also to my heart: “Follow Me,” in renunciation, in the practice of virtue. How far am I removed from the docility of Thy disciple! How often have I left Thy loving invitation unheeded and occupied myself with unnecessary useless thoughts! Pardon me, O my Jesus, for my infidelity and let me in future make atonement by increased fidelity. Let us further consider the activity of divine love in a heart that surrenders itself unreservedly. Divine love urges Philip on to zeal for the salvation of souls and the honor of God and makes of Andrew an apostle, a “messenger” of the Lord. We, too, are messengers of God in the circle of our labors. Do I strive to make all my actions redound to the praise of the Lord? True discipleship of Christ, genuine piety, is just as far from a forward, self-sufficient zeal, as from a spiritual egotism, which tries to evade the hardships and difficulties of a life of sacrifice in the interest of souls, under the pretext of modesty, recollection and reserve. O Jesus, replenish me with Thy spirit!
Second Point
The Calling of Nathaniel
“We have found Him of Whom Moses in the law and the prophets did write, Jesus, the Son of Joseph of Nazareth.” Thus spoke Philip to Nathaniel, who expressed his prejudice against the insignificant city of Nazareth in the words: “Can anything of good come from Nazareth?” (John 1, 45). What harm can prejudice bring about even among religious! It is a fact that the world persecutes all good Christians and especially souls consecrated to God with her foolish prejudices. These can be utilized to their salvation, if they try in reality to walk without blemish, as true children of God, overcoming evil with good. But if they themselves are the victims of some preconceived opinion, how easily will obedience to their superiors and spiritual counselors be rendered difficult and its merit greatly impaired! How easily are faults and even acts of injustice committed against charity towards fellow-religious and subjects! How carefully must we guard against this danger!
Nathaniel is of good will and sincere of heart. He seeks the truth and is determined to follow it, and therefore, he deserves to have Jesus solve his doubts. “Truly, an Israelite in whom there is no guile” (John 1, 47). Jesus Himself praises him and vouchsafes a ray of His divine omniscience, a revelation of the Divinity to the honest seeker when “Nathaniel saith to Him: ‘Whence knowest Thou me?’ Jesus answered and said to him: ‘Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee’” (John 1, 48). Nathaniel, now recognizing the Saviour, full of faith, cried out: “Rabbi, Thou art the Son of God, Thou art the King of Israel!” (John 1, 49). Rightly does Nathaniel conclude that He Who discerns what is hidden, must be the Son of God. Let us excite a lively faith in the omniscience of God and do nothing that would displease His all-holy glance. Can the Lord say of me that I am a true religious, who seeks to please Him in all simplicity of heart?
Affections: O Jesus, Thou art the Son of God, but at the same time, our benign Saviour and Redeemer. How lovingly didst Thou say to me: “Follow Me!” Thou, who searchest our innermost thoughts, mayest Thou find in mine the sincere desire to follow Thee on the way marked out for me by my holy vows and Holy Rule. Do Thou sustain my good will by Thy grace, O King of the elect, till, according to Thy promise, I may not only see “heaven open” but may enter with Thee into Thy kingdom, for all eternity.
Resolution: I will frequently recall the omnipresence and omniscience of God.
Spiritual Bouquet: “How good is God to them that are of a right heart!”
Take, O Lord, and receive all my liberty,
my memory, my understanding, and my whole will.
Thou hast given me all that I am and all that I possess:
I surrender it all to Thee that Thou mayest dispose of it
according to Thy Will.
Give me only Thy love and Thy grace:
with these I will be rich enough,
and will have no more to desire.
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