January 5, 2017 Thursday, Christmas Weekday-A ST. JOHN NEUMANN, BISHOP

1 John 3:11-21

Psalm 100

John 1:43-51

Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?”  John 1:46

Lord, your future disciple Phillip was an easy catch but Nathanael had to overcome an obstacle to faith.  Phillip heard you say “Follow me” and he did.  Nathanael was skeptical when told about you because he couldn’t see anything good, wonderful or mighty coming from a small, backwater, hick town like Nazareth.  But when he met you and you revealed to him his true nature, he believed.  Lord, we all have obstacles to faith to overcome.  For some of us its pride, others hardness of heart and still others self-centeredness or some other sin.  I admit that I can be a tough sell at times like Nathanael.  I want my will over embracing yours.  Help me today, Lord, to be open to the same grace you poured out on Nathanael.  Soften my heart to be ready to accept you regardless from where you appear.  Look inside me and shine your light on any darkness you find.  Jesus, I believe.  Amen.