ST. BARTHOLOMEW
ST. BARTHOLOMEW
FEAST August 24
LIFE Also called Nathaniel or Nathanael bar Tolomai (meaning son of Tolomai). Considered to be a close friend of St. Philip, who brought Bartholomew to Jesus. Believed to have written a lost account of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. Preached in Asia Minor, Ethiopia, India, and Armenia and proclaimed Matthew’s Gospel. Martyred in Albanopolis, Armenia, circa 68.
SYMBOL St. Bartholomew was skinned alive and beheaded. He holds a knife, symbolizing the way in which he was martyred.
PATRONAGE bookbinders, butchers, leather workers, plasterers, shoemakers, trappers, those with twitching and nervous diseases, Armenia
SCRIPTURE TO PONDER When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, he said of him, “Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!” Nathanael asked him, “Where did you get to know me?” Jesus answered, “I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you.” Nathanael replied, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” John 1:47-49 NRSV
Known
St. Bartholomew was clearly seen and loved by Jesus even before they met.
Am I longing to hear God’s blessing over my life, as St. Bartholomew did? What do I want God to say?