'Can anything good come out of Nazareth?'

Philip calls a reluctant Nathaneal. 

-Brian Mendonca

Nathanael's words in today's gospel express the derision and scorn with which people from Nazareth were viewed. (John 1: 43-51). His dismissal of Jesus as being an inhabitant of Nazareth - and by that fact not capable of anything worthy - is often seen in society today. 

The place defines the person. One often says 'He/She is a ________' referring to the state/country the person belongs to. This negative stereotype cripples any dealings with the person because thay have already been condemned for things they have not actually done. 

People are quick to write off individuals by prejudging them. This prejudiced view impoverishes only the person holding on to the stereotype - because the person being judged will fulfil his or her destiny regardless of criticism. 

Nathanael, however, decides to push aside his doubt and goes to meet Jesus. In doing so, he is transformed. He rises from his ignorance to recognize Jesus by calling him teacher, 'Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!' 

But this is only because Jesus, through what may appear as clairvoyance, says, 'Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.' The fig tree is seen here as regenerative. 

Jesus is constantly being asked to prove himself in order to be accepted. It is the same in our work place or at home. 

In the encounter Jesus takes the approach opposite to Nathaneal. He praises him saying, 'Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit! ' The painting of Nathaneal by the Spanish mannerist painter El Greco, seems to portray this honesty. 

Nathanael became one of the first disciples of Jesus. In the gospels of Mathew, Mark and Luke he is referred to as Bartholomew. He was one of the first to accept Jesus as the Messiah. The book Nathaneal: From Fig Tree to Faith (2020) recreates his spiritual journey.

Pic courtesy: Bible characters, Wordpress.