“Come and See”
Dear brothers and sisters,
In today’s Gospel, we hear the question: “Can anything good come from Nazareth?”
Nathanael’s words reveal something very human in us. Sometimes we make judgments based on where someone comes from, what we have heard about them, or what we think we already know.
But Philip does not argue with Nathanael. He simply says: “Come and see.”
These words are powerful because to know Jesus is not simply to know about Jesus. It is to encounter Him. We can read about Him, hear others speak about Him, and learn many things about our faith, but at some point, there must be a personal encounter: Come and see.
The same is true when we want to truly know another person. Knowing someone is more than knowing their name, their background, or what others say about them. It means encountering them, listening to them, walking with them, and allowing them to reveal who they really are.
When Nathanael finally encounters Jesus, Jesus says: “Here is a true child of Israel. There is no duplicity in him.” Jesus sees Nathanael’s heart. He sees his honesty, even with his doubts and questions.
Perhaps this is good news for us. Jesus does not require us to come without questions. He invites us to come with an open heart. Nathanael came with doubt, but he stayed long enough to encounter Jesus—and that encounter changed him.
How often do we say, “Nothing good can come from there,” or “I already know what that person is like”? How often do we allow our assumptions to prevent us from encountering someone?
Philip teaches us another way: “Come and see.”
Instead of judging, encounter.
Instead of assuming, listen.
Instead of keeping our distance, draw near.
And perhaps today Jesus is saying the same thing to each of us: Come and see. Come closer. Encounter me again.
Have a wonderful Week
