Under the Fig Tree

The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth.” Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” 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.” 
John 1:43-51 

It is the time of year to find shelter and rest in the shade. As the summer stretches out and the heat permeates everything, we are all inclined to move as little as possible. This time of year it is hard to get much done because everyone seems to be on vacation or at least "out to lunch".  I find this time of year also lends itself to sitting and talking with family and friends. A time of renewing relationship and getting to the heart of things.

Philip wanted his friend to meet the man who had transformed so many lives but Nathanael, comfortable under the fig tree, did not want to change his comfort level or his sense of peace. He was honest about who he was and cautious with Philip's new best friend. Jesus got to the heart of the matter, seeing Nathanael for who he truly was and embracing him completely. We are invited to understand that we are known in our completeness and loved completely. That means our failures and blemishes as well as our successes and beauty is adored by the living God.

Today I ask God to help me be fully human, fully honest and accept the radical love and complete love of God. May we each recognize and accept this total loving embrace, understanding that God is always in the heart of things. We do not have to pretend but know we are loved beyond any human understanding.