“BEHOLD, AN ISRAELITE INDEED, IN WHOM IS NO GUILE” (Jn 1:47)

⏰Feast of St. Bartholomew (24 Aug. 2020 – 7th Anniversary of my Priestly Ordination)

📕Rev 21:9b-14; Ps 145:10-11, 12-13ab, 17-18 (R.v.12a); John 1:45-51

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end, Amen.

My dear, this is the day the Lord has made, and we rejoice in it.

Today marks the 7th year the Lord chose me. Unworthy though I am, his grace has been very sufficient for me (2 Cor 12:9). I renew my vows to him today, “Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel” (1 Cor 9:16). I only pray that he may take me and mould me as the porter moulds the pot, giving me the shape he has chosen for me (Jer 18:4), Amen.

Providentially, on this day, we celebrate the Feast of St Bartholomew, mentioned as one of the Apostles in the Synoptic Gospels and whom biblical scholars think was mentioned in John’s Gospel as Nathaniel (cf. John 1:45-48). The Lord described him as a sincere man (John 1:47) and he showed himself a very humble man by acknowledging Jesus after confirming the truth about him (see John 1:49).

He gave Jesus two important christological titles, “Son of God” and “King of Israel” which introduce us to the universal nature of Jesus’ salvific mission. He is sent, not just to the Jews but to all of us who form the new Israel.

Of him, Jesus declared, “Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no guile” (John 1:47). An Israelite is a person of faith who waits in hope for the salvation of the Lord. This is different from a Jew who is simply one from a tribe of Israel.

So Jesus, in that statement, acknowledges that there is no deceit in Bartholomew. Can he also say that of us on the last day?

May God give us the grace and strength to carry on with the task of bearing authentic witness to Christ in the world. And when he comes to take us, may we too be found sincere to be with him in his kingdom. Amen.

Have a fulfilled and joyful work week ahead. Peace be with you.