The Process of Spiritual Growth in Nathaniel

 GOSPEL THOUGHTS

21^st Week – Monday

Gospel – John 1: 45-51

Feast of St Bartholomew –Apostle  

The Process of Spiritual Growth in Nathaniel

1) He starts from prejudiced mindset

Nathaniel starts his spiritual Journey with pre conceived ideas or prejudices. "What Good can come from Nazareth".

He had very negative understanding about the place of Nazareth. This negative attitude, he also attached to the persons who were coming from that place 

So it is very clear from his expression that he was full of prejudices about Nazareth and the people of Nazareth

2) The invitation to Come and see phase

He was given a chance by Philip, who was called Jesus, to  "Come and See". 

This worked as a verification code in the life of Nathanael

This is an important area or a step in the area of spiritual journey,  because in this phase he was able to see the reality as it is and he was able to come out of his prejudiced mindset. 

3) Humility of Nathanael

Even though Nathaniel had some prejudices, he had the humility to verify the facts. That's why he follows Philip in order to meet Jesus.

In the process of Nathanael's Spiritual journey Humility also plays a very important role. 

If one is not humble enough to change his mind set, one can't grow in anything 

4) Encounter with Jesus

When Nathanael accepted the invitation of Philip to *Come and See* he was able to encounter Jesus. 

The very process of Come and See changed the entire perception of Nathanael

He was fully able to come out of the prejudiced mindset to accept  the reality. 

This was confirmed by Jesus Himself 

Because of his humility and straight forwardness Jesus calls Him as a True Israelite in whom there no hypocrisy.

5) The profession of Great Truth - Jesus the Son of God

In the process of Encounter with the Lord, Nathanael was able to recognize Jesus as the "Son of God". 

From prejudiced mind to the reality: This shows a great change and also the depth of his spirituality in Nathaniel.

6) Reward for Greater things

Because of his genuineness, Jesus gives him a special grace to see and experience the greater things; something, which he never expected. 

You will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.

What a privilege of Nathanael. He not only saw and experienced Jesus, but also the Heaven and the heavenly realities.

That is the reward for his humility and encounter with the Lord.

Here we see how from the prejudiced mindset to the experience of Greater Heavenly Realities; something awesome. 

We can see the level of spiritual growth in Nathaniel. 

Can we follow this path?

God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones.

Fr Maxim D’Souza

Jeppu Seminary

Mangalore