Feast of St. Bartholomew, Apostle
In the reading from Revelation, St. John is shown “the Bride, the wife of the Lamb.” He beholds the living Church that is God’s true love. Then we see in John’s Gospel the call of Bartholomew. Nathaniel (Bart.) is invited to meet Jesus, and once Jesus says He knows him, he tells Jesus “you are the son of God.” Bartholomew knew Jesus was legitimate, someone he could follow and trust.
So often in life greatness is a matter of first who we have in our lives instead of what we have. It’s very easy to be tempted in life by strong desires, success, wealth, and dreams. Yet to live the best life depends on who is in our lives. A great life really is a question of first who, then what. Christians need to choose the right people to have in life. Obviously, the greatest person to have in your life is Jesus. No one is greater. Period. The next question then is who in your life will bring you closer to Jesus. Who in my life, your life, our life, is Jesus working through to bring about His saving will? You can even look back on your life and see the people who Jesus has worked through to bring you closer to God and salvation. Let us give thanks to God, who is the one who Bartholomew recognized as the Son of God, and is the one who is our salvation. Amen.
Reflection by Br. Matthew Marie, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections