Feast of Saint Bartholomew, Apostle
Saint Bartholomew, who also bore the name Nathanael which is used here in John’s description of his calling, was favored with insight into who Jesus actually is. It is surprising that he is given this insight, since when initially invited to come meet Jesus, Nathanael dismisses Him simply due to where He is from. From this dismissal, Nathanael humbles himself enough to accept the invitation, and then proclaims who he has encountered: “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.” (John 1:49) Nathanael will learn much about Jesus whom he has met and recognized as king. He will come to see that Christ’s kingdom is not of this world, it is far greater (like that described in Revelations 21). He will come to see that Christ is not a king for a few years, but rather for all time. And so, just as Christ broadened the vision of so many, He would broaden the vision of Saint Bartholomew. We pray today for the gift of faith to go and meet Christ in lowly places we are tempted to dismiss Him (eg in the Eucharist, in the poor), we pray to recognize Him there and to allow Him to show us how much more present He is than we ever imagined.