Gospel of Saint John 1:45-51 (Reflection of Fr. Watanasak, CSS)

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 Israelite. 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 the sky opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man."

Reflection (Fr. Watanasak, CSS)

Today’s Gospel tells of Nathanael’s call, but he is usually known as Bartholomew. In John’s Gospel he is always called Nathanael. The others use the name Bartholomew.

Bartholomew received one of the most beautiful compliments from Jesus. “He is a true Israelite.” There is no guile or duplicity in him. Jesus could read the hearts of people; he saw the honesty and integrity of Bartholomew. He is real and true. What about us, are we transparent before God and others?

Bartholomew also combined two attitudes which are ideal for a person who searches for the truth. He was both critical and open-minded. He was critical when he reacted to the claim of Philip that he found the Messaih. He said “Can anything be good from Nazareth?” Therefore, we can say that was very frank person too. He was also open-minded when he followed the suggestion of Philip to come and see for himself. Honesty and critical open-mindedness are still the best attitudes for anyone interested in finding the truth.

If we want to be truly honest and sincere then we should imitate St. Bartholomew in his readiness to express what is truly in his mind and heart.