Homily for the Feast of Saint Bartholomew, Apostle

Today, we celebrate the Feast of St. Bartholomew. We know little about him from Scripture, except that he is mentioned in the synoptic Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles as one of the original Twelve. Scripture scholars believe he was the Nathaniel mentioned in today's Gospel passage. John said that he was from Cana in Galilee and that Jesus called him a true child of Israel, with no dishonesty in him.

St. Bartholomew's commitment to his mission was unwavering. He traveled to India, Mesopotamia, Persia, Egypt, and Greater Armenia, spreading the Gospel. In Greater Armenia, he was scourged and beheaded by King Astyages at Abanopolis on the west coast of the Caspian Sea, a testament to his unyielding faith.

St. Bartholomew's influence extends to a wide range of professions. He is the patron saint of tanners, plasterers, tailors, leatherworkers, bookbinders, farmers, house painters, butchers, and glove makers.

Let us pray… LORD, teach us to treasure, proclaim, and practice the Gospel message of Jesus Christ, which Saint Bartholomew so eloquently preached and finally sealed with his heroic martyrdom. Through his intercession, may we be fearless in our expressions of faith and desire to bring the faith to others. Through Christ our LORD. Amen.