Saturday, August 24th

PREJUDICE CAN CAUSE US TO MAKE A MISTAKE

John 1: 45-51

“Nazareth! Can anything good come from there? Nathaniel asked. “Come and see,” said Philip.

John 1:46 (NIV)

The Jews were less appreciative of Nazareth because a Roman garrison was located there. Some have speculated that a cold attitude or a low moral and religious reputation of the people of Nazareth led to Nathaniel’s harsh comment. Nathaniel’s hometown was Cana, located a little more than six kilometers from Nazareth.

When Nathaniel heard that the Messiah came from Nazareth, he was surprised. Philip answered him, “Come and see.” Fortunately, Nathaniel went to see Jesus and as a result, became his disciple. If he had acted on his prejudices, without further investigation, he would have missed his encounter with the Messiah!

Jesus knew everything about Nathaniel even before they met face to face. Jesus also knows us very well. An honest person feels at ease knowing that Jesus knows him as he or she really is. That person cannot pretend to be something he or she is not. God knows who we are really are, and he wants us to follow Him.

 

Prayer: Loving Father, teach us to not judge people, that we may love and respect each other, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

 

Translation by Susan Metcalf Smith

 

Sábado, 24 de agosto

LOS PREJUICIOS HACEN QUE NOS EQUIVOQUEMOS

Juan 1: 45-51

Natanael preguntó: «¿Acaso puede salir algo bueno de Nazaret?» «Ven y lo verás», contestó Felipe.

Juan 1:46

Los judíos menospreciaban a Nazaret porque una guarnición romana estaba localizada allí. Algunos han especulado que una actitud fría o una baja reputación moral y religiosa del pueblo de Nazaret condujo al comentario duro de Natanael. La ciudad natal de Natanael fue Caná, situada a un poco más de seis kilómetros de Nazaret.

Cuando Natanael oyó que el Mesías procedía de Nazaret, se sorprendió. Felipe le respondió: «Ven y ve.» Por fortuna, Natanael fue a ver a Jesús y llegó a ser su discípulo. ¡Si hubiera actuado en base a sus prejuicios, sin una investigación mayor, hubiera perdido su encuentro con el Mesías!

Jesús conocía todo lo referente a Natanael antes de que se encontrasen cara a cara. Jesús también nos conoce bien. Una persona honesta se sentirá a gusto sabiendo que Jesús la conoce tal cual es. No puede fingir ser algo que no es. Dios sabe cómo somos verdaderamente y desea que lo sigamos.

 

Oración: Padre amado, enséñanos a no juzgar a las personas, permite que podamos amarnos y respetarnos, en el nombre de Jesucristo, amén.