Fr. Jerry Pokorsky: The Nathan and Nathanael Options

By Fr. Jerry Pokorsky, Catholic Culture, Jan 15, 2024

Fr. Jerry Pokorsky is a priest of the Diocese of Arlington who has also served as a financial administrator in the Diocese of Lincoln. Trained in business and accounting, he also holds a Master of Divinity and a Master’s in moral theology. Father Pokorsky co-founded both CREDO and Adoremus, two organizations deeply engaged in authentic liturgical renewal. He writes regularly for a number of Catholic websites and magazines.

Leaders throughout history often have an Achille’s heel of thin-skinned guile. The followers of Jesus are not immune. Jesus calls His Twelve Apostles to assist him with the proclamation of the Gospel and in preparation for their ordination to the priesthood. They stay with Jesus, take instructions from the Master, and validate St. Paul’s observation: “God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong.” (1 Cor. 1:27)

Jesus identifies Nathanael as an “Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!” (Jn. 1:47) Nathanael’s forthright honesty is a model for priests and laity alike. Judas, unlike Nathanael, was a man of guile and greed, a thief and a traitor. Judas was the only Judean among the Twelve from the upper crust of the Israelites. Months of dipping into the collection basket precede the grand finale of his betrayal. We don’t know his motives, but we can guess he wasn’t impressed by his unsophisticated coworkers. …

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