*REFLECTION FOR THE FEAST OF ST. BARTHOLOMEW* 

We celebrate today, the Feast of the Apostle, Batholomew, also known as Nathaniel. He was a doctor in the Jewish law and a dear friend of St. Philip the Apostle. Because Bartholomew was a man "in whom there is no guile", his mind was open to the truth. He went willingly with Philip to see Jesus Christ, and recognized the Saviour immediately as the Son of God. After having received the gifts of the Holy Spirit on the first Pentecost, Bartholomew evangelized Asia Minor, northwestern India, and Greater Armenia. According to tradition, while preaching to idolaters in Armenia, he was arrested and condemned to death. 

   The first reading (Rev. 21: 9-14) focuses on the role of the Apostles as the foundation upon which God builds the New Jerusalem, the Church. They continued the ministry of Jesus, proclaiming the Good News to every corner of the earth. As foundations, linked directly to Christ, the Corner Stone, we, the building blocks of the edifice, draw strength from their faith. 

   Nathaniel, in the gospel today (John 1: 45-51), is praised by Jesus for his honesty and faith when introduced by Philip. Nathaniel didn't belief anything good could come out of Nazareth, however, after encountering Jesus he professed: "Rabbi, you are the Son of God, you are the King of Israel." Do you still doubt who Jesus is in your life? 

   Dear friends, clever arguments rarely win people to the gospel, but an encounter with the person of Jesus Christ can change one's life forever. This is what Philip did by inviting Nathaniel to "come and see" for himself who Jesus is. As a member of the Apostolic faith, what effort am I making to bring people to encounter Jesus Christ? 

   I pray as we journey in life today, through the actions of the Holy Spirit, our hearts will be touched and our minds opened to accept Jesus as truly the Son of God and our Saviour. May the truth of the Gospel change our lives. Have a Divine encounter-full day!