Is He the One?

Today’s Gospel Text: Philip found Nathan'a-el, and said to him, "We have found him of whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." 46 Nathan'a-el said to him, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see." 47 Jesus saw Nathan'a-el coming to him, and said of him, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!" 48 Nathan'a-el said to him, "How do you know me?" Jesus answered him, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you." 49 Nathan'a-el answered him, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!" 50 Jesus answered him, "Because I said to you, I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You shall see greater things than these." 51 And he said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man." John 1:45-51

Reflection: Who is it that Philip has found that he is so excited about to tell Nathanael about him?

                                  

What is so special about the man that he has found and what differences will that make to their lives?

Has there been in history or have we heard of people, in history or in our contemporary life situation, who have been in search of individuals who will make a difference?

Yes, I suppose, when people see the evil around, the frustration and pain of seeing a corrupt world and growing sinfulness and wickedness all around then they begin to look out for a savior.

This look out is normally by way of a political figure, Many in Israel even looked at Jesus from that angle.

But the reality is this; every age and in every moment of history we see evil, sin and wickedness growing and when it grows to the hilt then people either look to religion or to some divine intervention or more so, the majority look for a political figure to bail them out.

Many dictators come to power on the basis of these needs of the individuals and people who backed them up as saviors; whether it was Hitler or Stalin or Mussolini, etc

Even in a democratic set-up you could have such surreptitious dictators in power, who work by manipulate norms and manipulating the minds of the gullible, with idealistic assurances but fortunately, they don’t last long because of the democratic bind which prevent holding of power and position for long.  

But in the meanwhile they may do much and irretrievable damage to the society over which they have influence over.

Can humans hit right on the target when they keep looking for a savior? 

If they fail to see in Jesus and in his cross the time tested savior, for now and for all eternity, then they are on their way to doom and will never be able to see the insidious and surreptitious evil in the assurance that comes from these individuals who pledge more than the God above.  

Prayer:  Lord, save your people from every deception and not to be carried away by false assurances and promises. 

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