Under the Fig Tree – Reflection on John 1:47-51 ~
I am sure I am not alone if I admit it can take years to realize that Jesus wants to always see us walking toward Him. However, our journeys can feel like being on a roller coaster. Sometimes we are visible at the top and indistinguishable at the bottom. Internal and external situations cause undulating movement towards and away from unchanging beliefs because we lose and gain focus. However, we should try to keep progressing because that is when we can realize the immense joy that we have Jesus in our lives. Without Divinity’s repeated whisper-thin touch and taking the time to be prayerful “under the fig tree,” we have no desire to climb to the top of the mountain of faith. Metaphors like climbing upward help us look forward and grasp a belief in the closeness of Jesus, Heaven, and greater things.
Nathaniel Under the Fig Tree by James Tissot (full resolution painting)
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
John 1:47-51 – Scripture*
47 When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, he said of him, “Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!” 48 Nathanael asked him, “Where did you get to know me?” Jesus answered, “I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you.” 49 Nathanael replied, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” 50 Jesus answered, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these.” 51 And he said to him, “Very truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.”
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on John 1:47-51 Reflection – Under the Fig Tree.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections of the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative payer style, others might appreciate these types of expressions in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
Attributions
This site has written permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible John 1 Bible passage.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.
Facebook discussion group on St. John of the Cross.
Facebook page on Lectio Divina daily Gospel Readings.
Affiliations