Traditions say that the apostle Bartholomew made it as far away as India to evangelize and after some time, followed trade routes up to Armenia! That’s a pretty impressive missionary career! He and his good friend, the Apostle Jude, got the evangelization off to a good start.
He is called Bartholomew; that would be his family name. In Saint John’s Gospel, he is called by his given name, Nathanael, “Gift of God.” His call by Jesus always piques our curiosity. What was he doing under the fig tree?
In this Gospel reading which announces Jesus, whatever Nathanael was doing under the fig tree was indicating that he was a man with a pure heart, a true Israelite, now ready to be called to receive the Messiah and the New Covenant.
However, we are not to know what Jesus saw under the fig tree. That was only between Jesus and Nathanael, not for anyone else!
In this first chapter of St. John’s Gospel, Jesus calls John and Andrew, then Peter, then Philip… He calls each one: a deep personal encounter with Jesus! Now he touches Nathanael in a profoundly personal way.
We are not told what Jesus saw Nathanael doing under the fig tree so that we can return to that moment … those moments when the Lord has touched us! But we are to take note that Nathanael’s heart was pure and it was open!
Jesus wants to touch your heart! He wants to come into your family, your home, especially during this difficult pandemic! He wants to come and give you the love, strength, light and wisdom you need! Jesus is the only one you need now!
I pray you will open your heart and open your family to Him. Let our Lady help you by praying the family Rosary.
- To view Rosary prayer and Mass streaming live, please visit our Facebook page at 11:30 am EDT, Monday – Friday. Please invite your loved ones to join us too! (You don't need a Facebook account to view.)
