In the midst of pain and conflict, when nothing makes sense and when life overwhelms us, do we feel lost and lonely? Do we wonder if anyone cares for us? Does our existence even make a difference to anyone? Yes, it does - to the One who sees.

Gospel – John 1:47-51
When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, he said of him, “Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!” Nathanael asked him, “Where did you get to know me?” Jesus answered, “I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you.” Nathanael replied, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” Jesus answered, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these.” 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.” - The Gospel of the Lord

Reflection – He sees
If we back a few verses we will find that John the Baptist pointed out Jesus to Andrew and another disciple; Andrew brought his brother Simon to Jesus and then Philip invited Nathanael to ‘come and see’. (See John 1:35-46) In today’s gospel, Jesus told Nathanael he saw him under the fig tree much before Philip had called him, which led Nathanael to instantly set aside all his initial skepticism and acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God! I wonder what it was about the ‘seeing’ that made so much of a difference to him and caused him to follow Jesus for life. And do we believe that Jesus sees us too?

We might be battling pain and disease, financial woes, shattered dreams, broken relationships, persecution, abuse or addiction. We may be abandoned, imprisoned, discriminated against or victims of cruelty and injustice. Some of us may be facing struggles of which we cannot even speak about for fear of being judged or misunderstood; in some lonely corner, we weep silently hoping for at least a glimmer of warmth and comfort. In the darkest moments of our life, we wonder and question if there is light at the end of the tunnel and if God can even see us?

Yes, He does. He saw Hagar being mistreated by Sarai and sent an angel to rescue her in the desert. He saw Joseph falsely accused and imprisoned and made the chief jailer show him favor making him in charge. He saw his people being treated as slaves in Egypt and sent Moses to free them. He saw Daniel in the den of lions and sent his angel to shut their mouth and protect him. He saw Elijah exhausted on the verge of giving up and sent his angel to strengthen him. He saw the widow in distress and sent Elisha to free her from all her debts. (See Genesis 16:1-16, Genesis 39, Exodus 3, Daniel 6, 1 Kings 19:1-10, 2 Kings 4:1-7).

These are just some of the stories from Scripture - we could go on. I am sure each one of us too will have our own story to share of, of how whether we are seated below a fig tree or in some dark desolate corner, God sees us in the lowest moments of our life and sends his angels to shine his light and rescue us.

But do we wonder what happens to the ones who do not know Him, some of whom have never even heard about Him? I recently got to know of someone I thought I knew well who did not know how to pray! That gave me such a jolt; it was a reminder for me of how much the world needs us to go out and be His instruments pointing people to Jesus, inviting them to come and see. There are so many who need God but don’t realize it. And when they do encounter Him, they will experience for themselves that he knows them, sees them and truly cares for them. Then they too will cry out “You are the God who sees me, truly here I have seen him who looks after me.” (See Genesis 16:13)

If we are still in the dark let us hold on with faith believing that “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry” (Psalms 34:15) And if we have experienced his deliverance, let us be his angels and help people get out of darkness and guide them towards his marvelous light. (See 1 Peter 2:9)

Let us pray:
Dear Lord, we thank you for being aware of everything, even if it is hidden in the deepest recesses of our hearts. No matter what situation we face, you know us, see us and love us. Help us to be your instruments of light guiding people towards you and helping them to experience you personally. We ask all this in your mighty holy and precious name - Amen.

God bless you!

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Audio: Mr. Clive Vincent