The first time we encounter St. Nathanael (also called Bartholomew) is in John's Gospel. Nathanael is prejudiced. He insults Jesus even before he meets Him (Jn 1:46). Jesus nonetheless opens up Nathanael by a word of supernatural knowledge (Jn 1:48). Nathanael responds by confessing Jesus as Son of God and King of Israel (Jn 1:49). Jesus has begun His work in Nathanael's life.
Nathanael accompanies Jesus for three years in His preaching, deliverance, and healing ministry. Finally, Nathanael sins grievously by abandoning Jesus when He was arrested and put to death (Mk 14:50). Three days later, Nathanael sees Jesus risen from the dead (Jn 20:19). However, this does not change Nathanael much. With Peter, Nathanael goes back to fishing, until Jesus awakens him with the miraculous catch of fish (Jn 21:2ff). Even this causes little permanent change.
Finally, Nathanael receives the Holy Spirit at the first Pentecost (Acts 2:4). Jesus' work immediately bears fruit. Nathanael is a changed man, a great missionary to the nations, and a foundation-stone of the new Jerusalem (Rv 21:14). With Nathanael, "receive the Holy Spirit" (Jn 20:22), receive new life (Jn 10:10), and change the world for Jesus.
| PRAYER: | Jesus, thank You for turning a prejudiced man into a Spirit-filled apostle and missionary. Transform me as well. |
| PROMISE: | "I solemnly assure you, you shall see the sky opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man." –Jn 1:51 |
| PRAISE: | Lord Jesus, it is You "Who gave apostles...to build up the body of Christ" (Eph 4:11-12). Thank You for calling St. Bartholomew to serve Your Father's kingdom in Armenia and India. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College