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On August 24th, the Catholic Church commemorates the Feast of St. Bartholomew the Apostle, one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus Christ to spread the Gospel. While St. Bartholomew's life remains somewhat enigmatic, his unwavering faith and martyrdom stand as a powerful testament to the Catholic call to discipleship and evangelization.

Who Was St. Bartholomew?

St. Bartholomew, also known as Nathanael in the Gospel of John, was born in Cana of Galilee. He is mentioned in the Synoptic Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles as one of the twelve apostles, though little is detailed about his life in the New Testament. According to tradition, Bartholomew was a close friend of the Apostle Philip, who introduced him to Jesus. In the Gospel of John, we encounter the remarkable moment when Jesus sees Nathanael under the fig tree and declares, “Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit” (John 1:47). This encounter reveals the deep insight and divine knowledge of Jesus, as well as Bartholomew’s sincerity and integrity.

The Mission of St. Bartholomew

After the Ascension of Christ and the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, St. Bartholomew, like the other apostles, was sent forth to preach the Gospel to the ends of the earth. Tradition holds that Bartholomew traveled extensively, spreading the message of Christ in various regions, including India, Mesopotamia, Persia, and Armenia. His missionary journeys were marked by his unwavering commitment to proclaiming the Good News, even in the face of danger and persecution.

Martyrdom and Legacy

The most well-known account of St. Bartholomew’s martyrdom comes from Christian tradition, which states that he was martyred in Armenia. It is believed that Bartholomew was flayed alive before being beheaded, a gruesome and torturous death that he endured out of love for Christ. His martyrdom is a profound witness to the power of faith and the ultimate sacrifice of one's life for the sake of the Gospel.

St. Bartholomew's legacy is preserved not only in the Church's liturgical celebrations but also in art and devotion. He is often depicted in religious art holding his own flayed skin, symbolizing his martyrdom, and a knife, the instrument of his death. His relics are venerated in various churches, with the most prominent shrine being in the Basilica of St. Bartholomew on the Island in Rome.

Reflection and Application

The Feast of St. Bartholomew invites us to reflect on our own call to discipleship. Like Bartholomew, we are called to be witnesses to the truth of the Gospel in our words and actions. His life challenges us to examine our integrity, sincerity, and commitment to Christ. In a world that often promotes compromise and deceit, St. Bartholomew’s example encourages us to stand firm in our faith, even when it requires personal sacrifice.

As we celebrate his feast, we are reminded of the global mission of the Church, which continues the work of the apostles in bringing the message of Christ to all nations. St. Bartholomew’s courage and perseverance inspire us to be bold in our evangelization efforts, trusting in the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Conclusion

The Feast of St. Bartholomew the Apostle is a celebration of faith, courage, and the transformative power of Christ’s love. As we honor this great apostle and martyr, let us ask for his intercession that we may grow in our commitment to Christ and in our willingness to witness to the Gospel, no matter the cost. May St. Bartholomew's example strengthen us in our journey of faith and inspire us to live lives of integrity, truth, and love.

In Christ,

Fr. Joe Connelly