24 August 2011: Feast -- St Bartholomew, Apostle

He was from Cana in Galilee. Mentioned in the Gospel as one of the twelve apostles, he is identified with Nathanael who was brought to Jesus by the Apostle Philip. According to tradition, St Bartholomew preached the Gospel in Arabia and Armenia where he died as a martyr. (Fr James Socias, ‘et al’ [Eds], “Daily Roman Missal”, 1989, p1620)

The virtue of sincerity
Philip conveyed to Nathanael his joyful meeting with Jesus: “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote, Jesus the son of Joseph of Nazareth.” (Jn 1:45) Like every good Israelite, Nathanael knew that the Messiah would come from Bethlehem, the city of David. (cf St John Chrysostom, “Homilies on St John’s Gospel”, 20, 1) He answered, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” Instead of attempting an explanation, Philip invited his skeptical friend to “Come and see” the Master personally.
“Jesus calls Nathanael through Philip, as he calls Peter through his brother Andrew. This is how Divine Providence works: by calling and leading us through others. God does not want to work on his own. His Wisdom and Goodness include our participation in the creation and order of things.” (cf O Hophan, “The Apostles”)
On meeting Jesus, Nathanael was surprised. Jesus won his fidelity forever. The Lord says to him: “Behold a true Israelite in whom there is no guile!” What great praise! Surprised, Nathanael asked him: “How do you know me?” (Jn 1:47) Jesus responded in words that are mysterious for us, but were clear and enlightening for his guest: “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you”. (Jn 1:48)
The meeting caused Nathanael to make an explicit confession of faith in Jesus as the Messiah: “Master, you are the Son of God, King of Israel!” (Jn 1:49) Jesus replied: “You believe because I said ‘I saw you under the fig tree?’ You will see greater things.” (cf Jn 1:50)
‘... there is no guile’: a man without pretence; does not have ‘two tongues, one for saying the truth and another for telling lies’. (St Augustine, “Commentary on St John’s Gospel”, 78, 7, 16) The virtue of sincerity is basic for following Christ, the divine Truth who abhors all deceit. (cf Jn 14:6) Even his enemies recognized Christ’s love for the truth: “Master, we know you are truthful and teach the way of God in truth, and care not for any man; for you do not regard the person of men.” (Mt 22:16)
He teaches us that our own ideas and thoughts must accord with the truth: “Let your speech be ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no’ and -- whatever is beyond these comes from evil.” (Mt 5:37) The devil, on the other hand, the father of lies, always tries to lead men into sin, the greatest deception. (cf Jn 8:44) Alongside sincerity, naturalness and simplicity are “... two marvellous human virtues which enable one to receive the message of Christ. ...” (St Josemaria Escrivá, “Friends of God”, 90)
Let us ask St Bartholomew to gain for us these two virtues that please the Lord so much, and are so vital for prayer, friendship, and apostolate. Let us ask Our Lady for the grace to always go through life with sincerity and simplicity. Today St Bartholomew will be our principal intercessor before her.
“‘You are all fair, O Mary, without original sin!’ In her, there is not the slightest shadow of duplicity. I pray daily to our Mother that we may open our souls in spiritual direction, that the light of grace may shine from all our behaviour. Mary will obtain for us the courage to be sincere, if we ask her for it, so we may come closer to the Most Blessed Trinity.” (cf St Josemaria Escrivá, “Furrow”, 339)
Ref: Cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 7:109-14

Sincerity
324 “The dust thrown up by your fall blinds and disorients you, and you have thoughts which rob you of your peace.
“Have you sought relief in tears by the side of our Lord, and in confident conversation with a brother?”

325 “If you are sincere with God, with your director and your fellow men, I shall be certain of your perseverance.”

326 “Do you want to know how to be frank and simple? Listen to these words of Peter and meditate upon them: ‘Lord, You know all things!’ ”
Ref: St Josemaria Escrivá, “Furrow”)
‘Come ... all ... who labor and are burdened ...’
Jesus and his Apostles came to Genesareth. The fame of the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves wrought the day before had been told during the night by witnesses. Thus, as soon as the Genesarenes, who were simple, truthful men, heard that Jesus had arrived, they ran to him with a lively faith, and recognized him as the great Prophet, their Messiah. Jesus was like in the midst of his children.
If our faith were more ardent, our hearts, too, would fly towards Jesus when we enter a church. At the voice of the priest he comes out of his Tabernacle, shows himself to us, unveils his heart burning with love, and says, “Come to me, all you that labor and are burdened, and I will refresh you” (cf Mt 11:28).
‘Faith works by charity.’ The good Genesarenes who first had the joy of recognizing the Saviour were eager to share their happiness. Running, they carried in beds the sick. This charity for the sick was very praiseworthy, and touched the compassionate Heart of Jesus.
If only we had the same zeal for the salvation of our brothers! To make them expose their spiritual maladies, and persuade them to seek spiritual direction would be charity indeed; and very meritorious for us.
The Genesarenes’ faith was rewarded. “Everywhere he went, to towns, villages or farms, they laid the sick in the streets, and begged him to let touch just the hem of his cloak. All who touched him were cured.” (Mk 6:56).
Note the extreme goodness and patience of Jesus. He allows himself to be approached, touched, and pressed upon by a crowd of sick people: blind, lame who contended for touching him first and obtaining relief. He never complained.
Jesus this time attached a cure by the touching of his garment. Interpreters tell us that he wants us to realize that graces and favors are attached to the immediate contact with his Body in Holy Communion.
Ref: Cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp526-8

• Dedication of Our Lady of “Benoiste Vaux”, nearly a league from Verdun, in Lorraine. This chapel preserves an image of the Blessed Virgin, rendered famous by miracles; in this place is found a miraculous fountain, the water of which cures several maladies. — Histoire dc Notre Dame de Benoisto Vaux, ch. i. and ix.. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; www.bethlehemobserver.com)
• “Notre Dame de Benoite-Vaux”. France. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html); (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html)
• Our Lady of “Benoite-Vaux”, France. (www/divinewill.org/feastsofourlady.html); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html)
• Our Lady, Health of the Sick. (www/divinewill.org/feastsofourlady.html); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html); (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html); (http://mariedenazareth.com)