“CAN ANYTHING GOOD COME FROM NAZARETH?”
Revelation 21:9-14; Psalm 145; John 1:45-51
Today is the feast of St. Bartholomew, also known as Nathanael, one of the Twelve Apostles (John 1:45-49; 21:2). One of the most provocative statements in today’s Gospel comes from Nathanael: “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” (John 1:46). He had already judged Nazareth before meeting Jesus. In his mind, nothing good could possibly come from such an insignificant place.
But Philip did not argue with him. He simply said: “Come and see.” Stop judging Christ from a distance. Come and see! Sometimes we too ask, “Can anything good come from this person? From this family? From this poor village? From this struggling parish? From this sinner? From this situation?” We are often experts at judging people before knowing them.
But after encountering Jesus, Nathaniel made one of the clearest professions of faith: “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” (John 1:49). What changed? An encounter with Jesus. That is what a genuine encounter with Christ does. It changes our questions, our vision and eventually our lives.
Again, Nathanael teaches us that even sincere people can have prejudices. But Jesus teaches us that our first impression is not always God’s final revelation. When Nathanael finally approaches Jesus, Jesus says: “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!” (John 1:47). Jesus saw beyond his prejudice and recognized the goodness in his heart. This is the kind of person God wants us to become: a person without deceit.
We live in a world where people manage appearances. Edited photos, polished profiles, and spiritual facades that hide the truth. Jesus isn’t impressed by appearances. He values honesty.
Be real, be true and be sincere, not fake.
Even if people have written you off and called you “nothing good,” don’t let their words define you. God puts greatness in overlooked places: Bethlehem was small, Nazareth was despised, the cross looked like defeat – yet that’s where Christ came, and where salvation began. Don’t underestimate what God can do through you.
After Pentecost, St. Bartholomew took the gospel to Armenia, Asia Minor, and India, where he was arrested and martyred while preaching. He’s the patron saint of bookbinders, butchers, cobblers, those with nervous/neurological illnesses, Italy, and Armenia.
St. Bartholomew, pray for us.
Prayer
Lord, strengthen our faith like St. Bartholomew’s, and through his prayers make your Church a sign of salvation for all nations. Through Christ our Lord. Amen
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
