Rev 21,9b-14/Psa 145,10-11.12-13ab.17-18/John 1,45-51.
While Bartholomew is listed among the Twelve Apostles of Jesus in all three Synoptic Gospels, we note that none of the Gospels presents a particular encounter between Jesus and Bartholomew.
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It is therefore no surprise that the First Reading speaks in general about the twelve foundation stones of the New Jerusalem.
Each of the twelve foundation stones bore the name of one of the twelve apostles indicating that these are the foundation stones on which the Church is built.
Among these twelve foundation stones we count Bartholomew as well.
The Gospel Reading focuses on the encounter of two new disciples of Jesus.
Philip receives a direct call from Christ but Nathanael had to pass through his friend Philip to encounter Jesus.
Since the name Nathanael is not mentioned among the twelve apostles, some authors suggest that he was the same person as Bartholomew.
It is noteworthy that all three Synoptic Gospels list Philip and Bartholomew together.
What is of interest to us today is how the encounter of these two men with Jesus represents for them an experience of faith.
It is an encounter that called for a change of behaviour for both of them.
In the case of Nathanael in particular, we notice that it entailed a new way of looking at things. It was for him an opening to new possibilities.
He was convinced he knew the Scriptures and knew from where the Messiah was to come.
He was certain nothing good could come from Nazareth but to his great surprise,the man from Nazareth knew more about him than he could imagine.
When Jesus pointed out to him he was incapable of deceit, he was surprised Jesus knew so much about him.
The encounter with Jesus marked a new beginning for both Philip and Nathanael.
It was for them a net break with the past and an entry into a new world because in Jesus they were to look for the truth.
Nathanael did not delay in recognising that Jesus was the Son of God, the King of Israel.
This profession of faith meant a lot for him who had earlier been described as a man of no deceit.
His profession of faith brings forth what he was convinced of and was ready to proclaim without hesitation.
Jesus points out that Nathanael arrived at his profession of faith because of what he told him.
We are invited to a different level of faith than Nathanael.
We are called to believe in Jesus without having to be told that he saw us where we were before we came to meet him.
We are called to believe in Jesus because of the testimony of those who have encountered him.
May we believe in the testimony of those who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith.Amen.
