This is the Liturgy of the Hours for August 24. Your local date is .
August 24
Feast
“Nathanael said to him, ‘How do you know me?’ Jesus answered him, ‘Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.’ Nathanael answered him, ‘Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!’” (Jn 1:48-49). [1]
Today marks the Feast of St. Bartholomew, Apostle. St. Bartholomew, whose name means ‘son of Talmay,’ is listed as one of Jesus’ twelve disciples. He is mentioned sixth in the Gospel’s of St’s Matthew, Mark, and Luke and seventh in Acts. In St. John’s Gospel, Nathanael is listed where St. Bartholomew’s name is in other three lists. Therefore, as there is no central narrative about St. Bartholomew; some scholars believe he may be Nathanael. Nathanael shows a prescient faith, when he opens his heart and professes that Jesus is the Son of God. As Benedict XVI stated, by his profession Nathanael took, “…an important first step on the journey… to Jesus.” Also, in Nathanael’s proclamation, we hear a reference to the hypostatic union: Jesus’ divinity as the Son of God and Jesus’ humanity as the King of Israel. We are reminded to honor both of these aspects of Christ as we grow in relationship with Him. [2][3][4]
Written by Sarah Ciotti
Reviewed by Fr. Hugh Feiss, OSB, STD
[1] Revised Standard Version, s.v., “John, The Gospel according to.”
[2] Catholicpedia: The Original Catholic Encyclopedia (1917) for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. s.v. “St. Bartholomew.”
[3] Benedict XVI, General Audience, October 4, 2006.
[4] Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2nd ed., 464-469.