prejudiced
“Can anything good come from Nazareth?” —John 1:46
What do you say to someone who is prejudiced? St. Nathanael (Bartholomew) was prejudiced. He judged Jesus to be a “no-good” Nazarene before even meeting the Lord. How do you deal with him?
The apostle St. Philip did not argue with Nathanael but simply invited him to come and see the Lord for himself (Jn 1:46). Prejudiced people need an invitation to meet Jesus. The Lord alone can search, convict, and transform their hearts. Jesus affirms Nathanael and calls him a real Israelite without guile (Jn 1:47). Although he doesn’t deserve the compliment, Nathanael accepts it. His hard heart is beginning to melt (see Ez 36:26). Very shortly, he acknowledges Jesus as Son of God and King of Israel (Jn 1:49). Prejudiced people, and indeed all people, need to receive the invitation to meet Jesus and then receive His unconditional love.
Prayer: Jesus, convict me of my sin. Lead me to repentance and the Sacrament of Confession (see Lk 5:32).
Promise: “The wall of the city had twelve courses of stones as its foundation, on which were written the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.” —Rv 21:14
Praise: St. Bartholomew expressed his repentance of prejudice by accepting Jesus’ call to join the ranks of the Twelve, which were composed of some of those he had prejudged.
Reference: (For a related teaching on Pride and Faith, listen to, download or order AV 64-1 or V 64 on our website.)
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