Gospel 

Jn 1:45-51

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 child of Israel. 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 heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man."

Sermon

My brothers and sisters in Christ, today's Gospel passage presents us with a powerful encounter between Jesus and Nathanael. Philip invites Nathanael to meet Jesus, but Nathanael is skeptical, asking, "Can anything good come from Nazareth?" Philip's response is simple yet profound: "Come and see."

This invitation is at the heart of the Christian faith. We are called to experience Jesus for ourselves, to see His love and power firsthand. Nathanael takes Philip's advice and meets Jesus, who reveals His knowledge of Nathanael's character and actions. Nathanael is amazed and declares Jesus to be the Son of God and King of Israel.

But Jesus says, "You will see greater things than this." He promises that Nathanael will witness even more remarkable signs of His divinity. And then Jesus makes a stunning statement: "You will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man."

This passage teaches us that:

- We must be open to encountering Jesus, just like Nathanael

- Jesus sees us and knows us deeply, just as He knew Nathanael

- We are called to witness and experience the power and love of Jesus

- Jesus is the bridge between heaven and earth, connecting us to God's presence and power

As we reflect on this passage, let us ask ourselves:

- Are we willing to "come and see" Jesus for ourselves?

- Do we recognize Jesus as the Son of God and King of Israel?

- Are we open to experiencing the greater things that Jesus promises?

May we, like Nathanael, encounter Jesus and declare Him to be the Son of God, and may we witness the greater things that He has in store for us.

Prayer

Let us pray: + In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Almighty, merciful and loving God,

We thank you for the invitation to "come and see" Jesus, to experience His love and power firsthand. Help us to be open to encountering Jesus, just as Nathanael was.

We are amazed that Jesus sees us and knows us deeply, just as He knew Nathanael. Reveal Yourself to us, Lord, and help us to recognize You as the Son of God and King of Israel.

We pray to witness and experience the greater things that Jesus promises. Open our eyes to see Your power and love at work in our lives and in the world around us.

Thank you, Jesus, for being the bridge between heaven and earth, connecting us to God's presence and power. May we, like Nathanael, declare You to be the Son of God and witness the greater things that You have in store for us.

Help us to be willing to "come and see" You, Lord, and to follow You with open hearts and minds. May our lives be a reflection of Your love and power.

In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

Additional prayer points:

- Ask for the grace to be open to encountering Jesus

- Pray for the ability to recognize Jesus as the Son of God and King of Israel

- Ask to witness and experience the greater things that Jesus promises

- Pray for Jesus to reveal Himself to you and to deepen your relationship with Him.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you,

Rev. Fr. Jhimerson Maneclang,SCJ