[Salvation]

Homily of the Day

August 24, 2017

There are times when we see life as being unfair. We do things by the book but others who circumvent the rules seem to have better results or deals. We patiently await for our turn while others cut into the line without any second thought.

Sometimes we may feel that is how God deals with us. We value ourselves so highly and, when problems come, we claim we do not deserve what we are getting.

Our Lord has given us the Holy Spirit to help us in such situations when we do not understand what is happening. May his Spirit enlighten and guide us in our anxieties.

[Salvation]

One Bread, One Body

One Bread, One Body

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All Issues > Volume 33, Issue 5

<< Thursday, August 24, 2017 >>

St. Bartholomew

Revelation 21:9-14
View Readings

Psalm 145:10-13, 17-18

John 1:45-51
Similar Reflections

SEEING THE BEST

"I saw you." �John 1:48, 50

Nathanael (Bartholomew) had a negative attitude toward Jesus before he even met Him, simply because Jesus was from Nazareth (Jn 1:46). In contrast, Jesus had a positive attitude toward Nathanael even before Jesus met him. Jesus did not focus on Nathanael's sins; He called Nathanael "a true Israelite" in whom there was no guile (Jn 1:47). Nathanael responded to Jesus' affirmation of him by affirming Jesus as "the Son of God" and "the King of Israel" (Jn 1:49).

Jesus also "saw right through" Simon, as He "sees right through" each of us. He knew Simon would deny Him three times and commit other sins. However, Jesus also had a positive attitude toward Simon. He called this unstable, sinful person "Rock" ("Peter"). He promised to build His Church on Peter (Mt 16:18). Peter eventually responded by being the first leader of the Church and even a martyr.

Jesus had a positive attitude even toward Judas. He called Judas "friend" when Judas betrayed Him with a kiss (Mt 26:50). However, Judas did not respond favorably to Jesus. Rather, he committed suicide (Mt 27:5).

Right now, Jesus is looking beyond your sins. He is looking at you with love and mercy. Will you respond in faith and repentance?

Prayer: Father, may I see Jesus in others.

Promise: "The wall of the city had twelve courses of stones as its foundation, on which were written the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb." �Rv 21:14

Praise: St. Bartholomew is said to have taken the gospel message to India and Armenia. Praise God for the apostolic Church!