Word to the Wise
Monday, August 24, 2015 - Aug. 24 - St. Bartholomew, Apostle
[Rev 21:9b-14 and John 1:45-51,]The wall of the city had twelve courses of stones as its foundation, on which were inscribed the twelve names of the apostles of the Lamb. [Revelation]
MONDAY, AUGUST 24, 2015, ST BARTHOLOMEW, apostle
[Revelation 21:9b-14 and John 1:48-51]
"The wall of the city had twelve courses of stones as its foundation, on which were inscribed the twelve names of the apostles of the Lamb."
When we make the profession of faith using either the Nicene or Apostles' creeds, we profess our faith in one, holy, catholic and apostolic church. The image from today's first scripture in the Book of Revelation makes the apostles the foundation stones of the city of God, the New Jerusalem. When we come to this feast day, I find myself wondering how the stone reads: BARTHOLOMEW/NATHANAEL, or NATHANAEL A/K/A BARTHOLOMEW, or what? The three synoptic gospels say "Bartholomew" but John says "Nathanael." I like the latter because when he hears Philip's enthusiasm about Jesus of Nazareth, he utters the famous ironic question: "Can anything good come from Nazareth?"
The first chapter of the Gospel of John vv. 35-51 shows the process of responding, believing, following and then being sent. This is the same process 2,000+ years later that we are called to. The Twelve were the originals and the bishops represent them today. But we are called in baptism and sent. Maybe we can get our names on a brick in the New Jerusalem! AMEN
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