Lectionary Reflection with Personal Additions

John 1:43-51 (NIV)  “You will see greater things . . .” (v. 50)

Nathanael questioned in strong terms the idea that the messiah would come from Nazareth; his skepticism was understandable since Bethlehem was the prophesied home of the coming messiah. However, Nathanael, being from Cana, revealed the bias of one small town resident toward another when he exclaimed, “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” (v. 46) When Nathanael met Jesus and was told that he had been seen while sitting under a fig tree, Nathanael completely changed his mind. Although any thoughtful skeptic could imagine ways that Jesus may have known about Nathanael and the fig tree, Nathanael was convinced by this simple observation that Jesus was, indeed, the messiah.

There is a saying (often attributed to Chesterton) that the problem with belief is not that people will refuse to believe, but that people will believe anything. After Nathanael’s reversal Jesus seems to have a smile in his voice when he remarks, “Do you believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree?” Jesus assured him that greater things were yet to be experienced, and by implication, needed to be experienced.

Scripture study, theology, attention to reason and tradition are important for examining our beliefs. We are blessed when we have pastors and teachers and parents and friends who will challenge our too easy beliefs. The danger exists of getting caught up in popular trends, like a cultural tsunami, that will carry us along in beliefs that are too easy and when tested by Scripture and theology found to be wrong. What's more: even those beliefs that are right--such as the profession of Nathanael--can fail us if we do not examine them and find support for them in Scripture, personal experience, and church teaching.

A belief that comes too easily or a belief that comes upon a shaky premise or a surprising coincidence alone may be a belief that is just as easily lost as gained. Jesus called his disciples to take a cross, to self-denial, to sacrifice. They needed a belief that would triumph when challenged by unrelenting opposition. They needed the witness of the resurrection from the dead, and that witness produced faith through the Spirit that made them believers against all argument, deprivation and persecution.

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TV Some folks have made the decision not to watch Television. I applaud such resolve. I’m not there yet; however, in 2015 I am trying to limit TV watching, and I’m trying to be more selective. I’ve discovered a show from Italy (It has sub-titles for those of us who don’t speak Italian) called Don Matteo. The plot revolves around a Catholic priest with an impressive insight to human nature. He helps the carabinieri (police) station in solving crimes. Don Matteo always gives spiritual guidance to the victims and perpetrators of crime. Often, he helps them find redemption. On occasion the Gospel is presented as clearly as I’ve ever heard it presented in a sermon. All the while the TV show is filled with comedy and suspense. The series is syndicated in the United States by MHz networks. If, like me, you’re still watching TV you’ll find this series worth your time.