SAINT JOHN NEUMANN, BISHOP (MEMORIAL)

Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree. 

We don’t know why Nathanael was sitting under a fig tree. But we do know that Jesus saw him there. He saw Nathanael’s searching heart and his openness to God. And realizing that he was seen by Jesus touched Nathanael deeply. Those three words, “I saw you” (John 1:48), told Nathanael that he was not only seen by God; he was known by God. He was loved.

The Hebrew name for God sees is El Roi. In the Scriptures, it was Hagar, Sarah’s maidservant, who first used this name for the Lord. When God spoke to her in the wilderness and promised to provide for her and her son, Ishmael, Hagar confessed, “You are God who sees me” (Genesis 16:13). It was El Roi who saw the Israelites in slavery and was moved to deliver them (Exodus 2:25). These stories show us that God sees what no one else sees. And when he sees, his heart is filled with compassion, and he responds with love.

Do you believe that the Lord sees you? That he knows you and your needs? And that knowing you, he is stirred with love and mercy toward you? Before you were even born, he saw you (Psalm 139:13-16). Even today, he sees your heart and knows each challenge you face.

If you feel isolated, or even when you try to hide from God, he still sees you and loves you. He still tells you that you are not alone and that he is ready to help you and call you to himself. In those times when you’re questioning your faith, he sees the questions, he understands your doubts, and he guides you to answers. Nothing escapes his watchful eyes.

Even if you feel as if nobody else sees you, your heavenly Father sees you. He never takes his eyes off you. When your heart is troubled or rejoicing, and even during the ordinary, everyday moments of life, his eyes are on you and his love follows you. Yes, he is more aware of your sins and failings than you yourself are, and yet he continues to watch over you and invites you to come to him.

Let that knowledge inspire you, like Nathanael, to love the Lord and to follow him in return.

“Lord Jesus, thank you for being the God who sees me. Thank you for your loving mercy!”

1 John 3:11-21
Psalm 100:1-5
John 1:43-51