SPECIAL EDITION ARTICLE #25 - August 26th, 2023 by Fr. Ben Daghir

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SPECIAL EDITION ARTICLE #25 - August 26th, 2023 by Fr. Ben Daghir

Editor's Note: Fr. Ben Daghir preached this homily to the entire school system at DuBois Central Catholic on August 24, 2023. The reading is from the Gospel of John 1:45-51. Fr. Daghir compares negative Nathanael to positive Philip and poses the question, "Which one are you?"

Article:
Did you hear Nathanael’s question, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” It’s a negative, pessimistic, and cynical question. 

The answer to the question, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” is “Yes!” Jesus came from Nazareth. Jesus is perfect. Jesus is God. In other words, something remarkable, profound, and good can come from Nazareth.

There are three figures in today’s Gospel: Jesus, Philip, and Nathanael. You and I are not Jesus, but we are either a Nathanael or a Philip. Here's an easy way to remember Nathanael and Philip: Nathanael begins with N - negativity, and Philip begins with P - positivity. 

Nathanael’s question reflects a person who is negative, cynical, pessimistic, and has a glass-half-empty type of mentality. Nathanael sees problems and often fails to notice solutions. 

Notice how Philip talks with Nathanael. He’s patient, gentle, and kind. After Nathanael asks, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” Philip calmly responds, “Come and see.” The world needs more Philips. These types of people are filled with hope and are also patient with those who are negative. They are confident, inspiring, and peaceful. 

Let me translate Nathanael’s question into our lives:

“Can anything good come from DuBois Central Catholic?” “Can anything good come from Mass during the week?” “Can anything good come from that teacher?” “Can anything good come from that classmate?” “Can anything good come from that teammate?” “Can anything good come from that coach?” “Can anything good come from that homily?” “Can anything good come from that English course?” “Can anything good come from that Science course?” “Can anything good come from being in theater?”

Negativity is always an option. There are many negative Nathanaels in our world today. We don’t need more negative Nathanaels, we need more positive Philips. You are called to be a Philip; someone who is filled with hope, able to encourage a classmate or a friend, and willing to look beyond a mere difficult problem and identify solutions.

In every grade level, in every class, on every sports team, in every faculty room, behind the stage for theatrical performances, in the hallways, in the cafeteria…everywhere - you have an option of either being a negative Nathanael or a positive Philip. 

Notice that it’s Philip who leads Nathanael to Jesus. It’s Philip who is the one who helps to direct Nathanael to a new opportunity of seeing and thinking. What does this look like on the football team? How can you be a Philip to a teammate? What does this look like in Math class? How can you be a Philip to a classmate? What does this look like when you have a new student in your grade who doesn’t know a lot of people? How can you be a Philip to this new classmate?

Negative Nathanaels lead to more negative Nathanaels. Positive Philips lead to more positive Philips. You and I always have this choice. 

Lastly, notice who changed in today’s Gospel. Nathanael went from asking, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” to saying to Jesus, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.” 

Nathanael is no longer negative. He now sees the good which has come from Nazareth. This is the result of Philip who confidently and calmly encouraged Nathanael, “Come and see.”

Are we going to be a negative Nathanael or a positive Philip this year? You and I get to decide, and it will make all the difference. 
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Fr. Ben Daghir is a priest for the Diocese of Erie. He is a graduate of Elk County Catholic High School in Saint Marys, Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, and St. Mary's Seminary & University in Baltimore, Maryland. He considers writing one of his favorite hobbies.