Feast of Saint Bartholomew, Apostle
Intention: For all students, parents, and teachers, that in the guidance of the Holy Spirit they may find the inspiration to journey wisely and bravely through these days of challenge and change.
Today’s Gospel | John 1:45-51
Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one about whom Moses wrote in the law, and also the prophets, Jesus son of Joseph, from Nazareth.” But Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Here is a true child of Israel. There is no duplicity in him.” Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?”
Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree.” Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this.” And he said to him, “Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”
From the Meditation on Saint Bartholomew | Saint John Baptist de La Salle
You have to suffer a constant martyrdom that is no less violent for the spirit than Saint Bartholomew’s was for his body. You must, so to speak, tear off your own skin, which Saint Paul calls the old man, in order to be clothed with the Spirit of Jesus Christ, which is, according to the same Apostle, the new man. Let this, then, be your effort throughout your life, so that you may truly become disciples of Jesus Christ and imitators of this holy Apostle in his martyrdom.
Prayer
Eternal Father, we pray today for the grace of integrity. Your spirit dwells inside of us, teaching us to do justly, to love mercifully, and to walk humbly before you. Even when life brings the temptation to be self-centered or imprudent, help us always to act compassionately and responsibly. Fill us with care and vigilance and show us the way to each other’s hearts. We ask this of you who lives and reigns with your Son and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.