Bartholomew believes

The psalmist categorizes God as faithful, just, kind and near in the texts today from the Roman Catholic lectionary. The faithfulness and justice of God is expressed by John of Patmos in the description of his vision of the New Jerusalem, the Church, wed to the Lamb, Jesus. Friar Jude Winkler notes that this vision is of a society, the Church. It is a reminder that our spiritual life is meant to be lived in society with and for others. The foundation of this society is in the twelve Apostles and the twelve tribes of Israel. Friar Jude asks us to recall that nations and individuals come to know God through the history of their experience of the Divine. We can reflect on our own history to verify the faithfulness, kindness and Presence of God. Nathaniel (another name for Bartholomew, who is the saint celebrated today) is very likely in prayer under the fig tree when he is interrupted by Philip. The episode in the Gospel of John which details his calling to follow Jesus is rich in drama, mystery and symbolic language. Some scholars propose that Nathaniel was a student of one of the rabbis. The rise of religious groups like the Pharisees encouraged some to pray and study about the Messiah. Friar Jude explains that Jesus addresses Nathaniel using some references to Jacob becoming Israel and experiencing the vision of Jacob’s ladder. Why did Nathaniel respond to Jesus with such certainty and conviction? The answer may rest in the timing of his history in relationship with God and the “coincidence” of Jesus being on his wavelength in prayer that day!