St. Bartholomew, also known as Nathanael, is one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus Christ. He is mentioned in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, and is traditionally identified with Nathanael, who is introduced in the Gospel of John.
Bartholomew was from Cana in Galilee. According to the Gospel of John, he was a seeker of truth who, upon meeting Jesus, expressed doubt but was later convinced of Jesus' divinity when Jesus revealed His knowledge of Bartholomew's character and faith. Jesus' words, "Here is a true Israelite in whom there is no deceit," and His knowledge of Bartholomew even before they met, deeply impressed him and led to his immediate belief in Jesus as the Son of God.
Following his call, Bartholomew became a devoted follower of Jesus. After the Resurrection and Ascension of Christ, he spread the Gospel in various regions, including India and Armenia. Tradition holds that he was martyred for his faith, possibly by being flayed alive or crucified, depending on different accounts.
St. Bartholomew's legacy is marked by his willingness to accept and follow Jesus despite initial doubts and his dedication to spreading the Christian message even to distant lands.
Practical Lessons:
- Lesson 1: Overcoming Doubts: St. Bartholomew's journey from skepticism to faith demonstrates the importance of addressing and overcoming our doubts. His experience encourages us to seek truth and to remain open to spiritual enlightenment, trusting in God's revelations and the guidance of Christ.
- Lesson 2: Commitment to Evangelization: Bartholomew's dedication to spreading the Gospel, even to remote regions, highlights the value of commitment to sharing our faith with others. His example challenges us to be proactive in our evangelization efforts, bringing the message of Christ to those around us and supporting the growth of the Church.
Prayer to St. Bartholomew:
O God, who gave St. Bartholomew the grace to believe in Your Son and to follow Him faithfully, grant us, through his intercession, the strength to overcome our doubts and to boldly proclaim Your Gospel. Help us to live our faith with dedication and to share Your love with others. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Other Saints We Remember Today
- Our Lady, Health of the Sick
image: Cleveland Museum of Art, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
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