As people incapable of deceit

THE WORD AND THE SAINT

Celebrating St. Bartholomew, the man incapable of deceit
August 24, 2024 - Revelations 21: 9-14; John 1: 45-51

The twelve - Jesus' choice of the twelve was very conscious and reasonable. Be it any of the twelve, even regarding Judas Iscariot, Jesus had a special reason for their choice. He gives the reason for the choice of Bartholomew (said to be Nathaniel whom Philip introduced to Jesus): a man without guile or a man incapable of deceit. That is one splendid attribute of a disciple.

We are called to be disciples of Christ too... can we merit such an appreciation from Jesus as he had for his apostles? 

The colour red that we use to indicate the specific role the apostles play within our faith, is also a reminder to die with Christ so that we may rise with Him. This reminder of death, is in fact reminder of a life, a lifestyle that does not count anything - neither struggles and persecutions, neither death nor defeat - when it comes to our fidelity to God.

Fidelity to God is a matter of integrity and authenticity; it cannot be a mere appearance! That is precisely why "not being capable of deceit" is an essential trait of an authentic apostle. If we have to grow to be true apostles, we have to be incapable of deceit.  Let Bartholomew inspire us to live a life that makes us worthy be called persons without guile, people incapable of deceit