Bartholomew: The True Israelite, in Whom no Guile

Reflection on Today's Readings, The Feast of St. Bartholomew, Monday 24th August, 2020
Texts: Rev. 21:9-14; Ps. 145: 10-13.17-18; Matt. John 1:45-51
Bartholomew was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ; he came from Cana in Galilee. He has come to be known as Nathanael because John, in his gospel, mentions Nathanael instead of Bartholomew in his list of apostles. It has been taken that both names, Bartholomew and Nathanael, refer to one person.
Today's gospel reading tells us that his coming to Jesus Christ was facilitated by Philip. Jesus Christ says of him thus: "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!" A true Israelite is one who looks forward to the fulfilment of the hope of Israel; he does not just look forward for its fulfilment but also live to bring it to realization. The hope of Israel is the Messiah. Hence, Philip said to him, "We have found him of whom Moses and also the prophets wrote". Philip found in Jesus Christ the hope of Israel and so he adds, "Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph". This teaches us that being a true Christian entails hoping for eternal life and living one's life to actualize it. Bartholomew was a man who did not allow his perception to blindfold him; he believes in reality. Thought he had thought that Messiah could not come from Nazareth, when he encountered Jesus Christ he believed him and confess him to be the Christ.  He was truly an Israelite.  Hence, Pheme Perkins says, "Nathanael is the exemplary Israelite because he does come to Jesus rather than reject him as others who invoke the law and the prophets" (JBC, p. 953). This teaches us not to allow our perception, bias, prejudice etc to cut us off from reality or prevent us from coming to Jesus. When reality presents itself, we are to admit and appreciate it, not trying to argue against it or trying to wave it away.
The description of Bartholomew by Jesus affirms the first reading. The revelation to John shows that the faith of the new people of God shall be an offshoot of the faith of Israel as professed by the apostles. It is written thus: "And on the gates the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel were inscribed; .... And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them the names of the twelve apostles of the lamb".
The faith of the new people of God is built on the apostolic faith, their professions of Jesus Christ. Today, we are reminded of Bartholomew's profession: "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!". Confession of Jesus Christ as the Son of God opens heaven to us. Hence, Jesus said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man". More revelation awaits those who confess Jesus as the Son of God and the fulfilment of the hope of Israel.
Dear friends, being true to our christian identity pays: it gives us clear vision of our hope so that at its fulfilment we will realize it, just like Bartholomew.

Lord our God, may we always find the need to be true to our identity as your sons and daughters. Amen.

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke