SAINT BARTHOLOMEW, APOSTLE (FEAST)

The wall of the city had twelve courses of stones as its foundation.

St. John’s vision of the holy city of Jerusalem coming down from heaven must have taken his breath away. The angel called this city “the bride, the wife of the Lamb”—that is, the Church (Revelation 21:9). And what held up this radiant, massive city gleaming with precious gems? Twelve foundation stones “on which were inscribed the twelve names of the twelve Apostles of the Lamb” (21:14).

Just think: twelve ordinary men, including St. Bartholomew, whose feast we celebrate today, are the foundation stones of the Church. Our faith is built on their witness of Jesus’ preaching, miracles, and resurrection. It’s built on their understanding that he was the fulfillment of the Scriptures. It’s built on their proclamation that Jesus is the God who became man in order to save all people from their sins.

And so they preached this good news. Through their missionary journeys, they carried the name of Jesus to others, who in turn preached the good news to even more people. In this way, the apostles’ proclamation and teachings have been preserved through two millennia.

This is the foundation on which our own faith rests. Popular philosophies and worldviews might sound more enticing at times, but they lack a true foundation and therefore come and go. But Jesus “is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). He does not change, and neither do the truths of our faith.

According to tradition, St. Bartholomew preached in India and was martyred there. He and the other apostles gave their lives to ensure that we would have the teachings of Jesus and his bride, the Church, for all time. So build your life on this foundation. Let it guide your decisions and sustain you in hard times. Let it protect you against the temptations that assail you and the confusion that surrounds you. And be confident that this sure foundation will never let you down.

“Jesus, let me never stray from the firm foundation you have given me.”

Revelation 21:9-14
Psalm 145:10-13, 17-18
John 1:45-51