“Rabbi, you are the son of God! You are the king of Israel!” (Jn.1:49).
In this confession, is conveyed, a first important step in the journey of attachment, to Jesus. St. Bartholomew is one of the pillars of the Church and one of the twelve apostles of Jesus, whose memorial, is marked on August 24th.
Bartholomew (known as Nathaniel in St. John’s Gospel), was a doctor in Jewish law and a dear friend of St. Philip, the apostle. He was summoned to Jesus by Philip. The moment Jesus saw him; he praised him, saying that he could see that there was no dishonesty, in his heart. Bartholomew immediately began to believe in Jesus. He was told that he would see great things because of his faith. We do not know what had happened, under the fig tree. Jesus said, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.”(Jn. 1:48). It is obvious, that it had to do with a decisive moment, in Nathaniel’s life.
After having received, the gifts of the Holy Spirit on the first Pentecost, he embarked on a missionary journey, to preach and guide people to Jesus. He preached in Asia Minor, India and Armenia. He rose to fame through his cunning preaching skills, miraculous works and martyrdom.
Nathaniel is one of the disciples to whom Jesus appeared on Lake Tiberius, after the Resurrection. St. Bartholomew is the patron saint of fishermen, miners, farmers, winegrowers, shepherds, leather workers, tailors, bakers, butchers and book binders. Many churches, villages and settlements, proudly bear his name as a Protector.
He is depicted as a saint, with a knife in his right hand, a tool of his torment, a reference to the fact that he was skinned alive, when martyred. He is remembered, today, as a symbol of unwavering faith, dedication to one’s beliefs and courage in the face of adversity. The Good News is that, all are called to the holiness of being Christ’s members, by the gracious gift of God. The simple fact is that humanity is totally meaningless, unless God is its total concern. Then humanity, made holy with God’s own holiness, becomes the most precious creation of God.
Prayer: Jesus, give me the courage of those who walked with you, as I try to follow in their footsteps.
-Sherida D’souza