In today's scripture reading, there's a lot of finding going on. When Andrew meets Jesus, he goes to find his brother Simon. Then Jesus finds Philip, and Philip goes to find Nathanael. And Nathanael finds Jesus.
What's with all this finding? Part of it is just the disciples getting acquainted with Jesus. Through their relationships and networks, a community of disciples begins to form around Jesus. And of course we know that there are women disciples joining this group, too, only they aren't mentioned here.
But part of this is about "finding" on a deeper level. When we become acquainted with Jesus, we find that we are found by him. At a deep level of our soul, we found that we are already known and loved by God for who we are. I think this is what Nathanael is expressing when he asks Jesus, "When did you come to know me?" He discovered that he was already known and loved, even before he met Jesus.
As we pray in the Prayers of the People, Form II,
I ask your prayers for all who seek God, or a deeper knowledge of him.
Pray that they may find and be found by him.
Who have you found? And how have you been found?
Peace,
Bill
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