Listening to Others

Gospel: John 1: 43-51

For most of us, the story of Nathaniel seems unremarkable.  Jesus says that he saw Nathaniel under a fig tree, and Nathaniel is in awe of this fact, leading him to profess that Jesus is Son of God and King of Israel.  While it may have no meaning for many of us, the event was important for Nathaniel, and so it is important for us as well, as we all have our own story of faith that others may not understand either.  

As we make our way through the Gospels we will encounter a variety of stories where people encounter Jesus.  Each encounter is unique, though some similarities may exist.  Each person will have their own meeting with the Lord, each one their own interaction and response.  We may find meaning in some of these encounters; we may find our own story relating to one or more of these others, while other encounters will not have any meaning for us.

Authentic religion is a place where stories are allowed to be told, a place where we can bring our story and put it in conversation with the stories of the scriptures and those within the tradition.  Authentic religion is a place where we give way to hear the stories of others, to recognize God present in the life of each person and each story, to give thanks for all these stories and to be blessed by them.