First reading Daniel 7:9-10,13-14
His robe was white as snow
As I watched:
Thrones were set in place
and one of great age took his seat.
His robe was white as snow,
the hair of his head as pure as wool.
His throne was a blaze of flames,
its wheels were a burning fire.
A stream of fire poured out,
issuing from his presence.
A thousand thousand waited on him,
ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him.
A court was held
and the books were opened.
I gazed into the visions of the night.
And I saw, coming on the clouds of heaven,
one like a son of man.
He came to the one of great age
and was led into his presence.
On him was conferred sovereignty,
glory and kingship,
and men of all peoples, nations and languages became his servants.
His sovereignty is an eternal sovereignty
which shall never pass away,
nor will his empire ever be destroyed.
Responsorial Psalm 137(138):1-5
Gospel John 1:47-51
You will see heaven laid open, and the Son of Man
When Jesus saw Nathanael coming he said of him, ‘There is an Israelite who deserves the name, incapable of deceit.’ ‘How do you know me?’ said Nathanael. ‘Before Philip came to call you,’ said Jesus ‘I saw you under the fig tree.’ Nathanael answered, ‘Rabbi, you are the Son of God, you are the King of Israel.’ Jesus replied, ‘You believe that just because I said: I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things than that.’ And then he added ‘I tell you most solemnly, you will see heaven laid open and, above the Son of Man, the angels of God ascending and descending.’
______________________________________________
Integrity
In today’s Gospel, when Jesus sees Nathanael approaching Him, He describes him as “an Israelite in whom there is no deception.” What does this mean? It signifies that Jesus recognises Nathanael as an honest man who sincerely desires to deepen his love for God and serve Him wholeheartedly. Unlike the religious leaders of his time, Nathanael is not concerned with maintaining outward appearances or seeking praise from others. Jesus values this quality in Nathanael even before they exchange any words.
Can Jesus’ words about Nathanael apply to us as well? Today’s Gospel challenges us to be honest and sincere with ourselves, others, and God. Proverbs 4:23 states, “More than all else, keep watch over your heart, since here are the wellsprings of life.” During this time of prayer, let us examine our hearts and ask for God’s grace to live authentically and with integrity.
Reflective questions:
How do people around me see me? How does Jesus see me?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year C” by Sr Maria Jose FMVD.
