JOHN 1:45-51 COME AND SEE

Year A, Feast of Saint Bartholomew, Apostle

In today's Gospel, Philip tells Nathanael that he has found the one about whom Moses and the prophets wrote—Jesus of Nazareth. Nathanael responds with skepticism: “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” Yet Philip does not argue with him; he simply says, “Come and see.” When Nathanael meets Jesus, he discovers that the One he doubted already knew him and saw him more deeply than he imagined.

We can sometimes be like Nathanael. We make quick judgments about people, places, or situations based on what we have heard or what we think we know. Sometimes we even do this with God. We decide that He cannot possibly work through a particular person, circumstance, or unexpected situation. But Jesus often meets us precisely where our expectations end. Nathanael's encounter reminds us that faith begins when we are willing to move beyond our assumptions and honestly encounter Christ. And like Philip, sometimes our role is simply to invite someone else: “Come and see.”

Perhaps today's Gospel invites us to ask ourselves: What or whom have I already dismissed without giving God a chance to surprise me? Saint Bartholomew teaches us that an honest question does not have to become an obstacle to faith. Bring your doubts, your questions, and even your disappointments to Jesus. He already knows you, sees you, and loves you. May we have the courage to come and see—and once we have encountered Christ, the generosity to invite others to come and see Him too.

With Love and Prayers

Your Co-Traveler