J 1,47-51

Stand in God’s presence. God is present here and now, looking upon you with love.

Ask for the Grace: I will beg God our Lord that all my intentions and actions may be directed purely to the praise and service of His Divine Majesty

Fixing a place, a picture for meditation: imagine a fig tree under which Nathanael stands, perhaps reading the Word of the Lord (the Israelites were reading the scriptures under the fig trees) and thinking that it is invisible. Jesus is not far away, watching and seeing Nathanael.

Ask for the fruit of meditation: for the purity of my motivations

1. There is no duplicity in him.

Jesus greets Nathanael with beautiful words: this is a true Israelite in whom there is no duplicity. So, Nathanael does not use tricks or deceptions in his life, in relationships, to deceive someone, or, looking from the other side in an unfair way some benefits for himself. So, what is he guided by? In the broadest terms, it is probably the greater good.What are you guided by in your actions? What are your motivations? How do you ensure that the one  – the greater good stands out among the many motivations?

2. How do you know me? …Before … I saw you …

Jesus saw Nathanael before Philip called him, as he stood under the fig tree and did not expect anyone to see him. Nathanael was surprised, amazed that Jesus had known him well before the described meeting.

What does it do in you, make you aware that Jesus knows you from the very beginning of your existence and knows well what you think, feel, what is happening inside you and that you are visible to him at every place and time?

3. Calling.

Jesus calls Nathaneal as his disciple. The word calling may cause us some confusion, anxiety, questions: what is my vocation, is it in accordance with God’s will? There are also greater callings: to life in marriage, priesthood, … and the smaller, equally important ones, which concern our everyday life, work and life in the place where we are. To be someone of calling is to do something passionately, in accordance with your desires and with the greater glory of God. It does not mean that we will not experience difficulties, that there will be no moments of doubt and discouragement, but they will not prevent us from feeling happy in what we do.Discover your desires … discover your daily callings in your relationships, at home, at work …

Meditation: St Ignatius encourages in The Spiritual Exercises No. 2 … Because not so much knowledge, but internal feeling and the taste of things please and saturate the soul, that is, we stay where we feel interior movement … and nervously do not try to go on.

The final conversation: Spend a little time at the end, being with God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit….as you would with a good friend: sometimes talking, sometimes listening, sometimes being together in silence. Speak to God about your feelings. Remember that times when ‘nothing is happening’ can also be significant. When you’re ready, end your prayer by saying thank you or using words that are familiar, such as the Lord’s Prayer (Our Father)–whichever feels right and comfortable. (The Spiritual Exercises No.54)