Nathanael

You remember Nathanael the Apostle. We have read about him on the first Sunday of Great Lent (John 1:43-51). What is unique in the account of his call is that it differs from the call of the other apostles in that he alone is called by Jesus, through his friend Philip’s word. John the Evangelist mentions him twice. The second time is when he tells about the appearance of Jesus after Passover to seven of his disciples (21:2). He places him between Thomas and the sons of Zebedee. He says: “Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael… and the sons of Zebedee”. This is him. He appears at Passover, surrounded by Thomas, whom the face of the living Jesus had elevated to acknowledge Him as Lord and God, and the faithful love to which the two sons of Zebedee give expression. You do remember his question about Jesus: “Does anything good come out of Nazareth?”. What the disciple should be concerned about is to progress. Did Nathanael see what is greater than Jesus’ word that He saw him under the fig tree? He saw Him risen from the dead. This is God’s gift to those who commit themselves to love Him in friendship and service to the end!