becoming a peace maker
The prophet Micah prophesies about the Lord’s universal reign of peace. He mentions how the Lord will settle disputes during His reign and swords will be hammered into plows, and spears into pruning knives. “Everyone will live in peace among their own vineyard and fig trees” (Micah 4:4a).
The book of Kings mentions the kind of reign Solomon has on his people. It mentions the prosperity that he and his subjects enjoy. He is not just regarded as a good ruler of his people — he was as good to the neighboring countries as well and was at peace with all of them. “As long as he lived, the people throughout Judah and Israel lived in safety, each family with its own grapevines and fig trees” (1Kings 4:25). These are some references quoted by scholars that provide background for today’s Gospel. The short exchange of words between Jesus and Nathanael is a little puzzling, if not understood, in the above context. For the Jews, a fig tree always signifies peace. Peace is when a man is able to sit undisturbed in full tranquility under a fig tree.
This is what Jesus saw in Nathanael. He was the kind of man He was looking for to be part of this small clique of learners (disciples) that He was starting to organize. He needed Nathanael to put flesh to His teaching about the blessedness of those who work for peace. Someone like Nathanael could pacify the likes of Peter who would cut the ear of the soldier intending to take his master away. He was the kind of man who would surely rejoice in the company of angels heralding His coming, singing, “Glory to God in the highest and peace to His people on Earth!”
Is there a Nathanael in me? Will I be worthy to be called by Christ for I, too, can sit peacefully under my fig tree? Fr. Sandy V. Emhaynes
REFLECTION QUESTION: What will it take for you to be a Nathanael, a peacemaker?
Divine Potter, mold me and make me a lover of peace like Nathanael. May I be a source of peace for others, too.
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