23/08/2026
Lectio Divina (Monday, 24 August 2026)
Feast of Saint Bartholomew, Apostle
Lectio: John 1:45-5
Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one about whom Moses wrote in the law, and also the prophets, Jesus son of Joseph, from Nazareth.” But Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Here is a true child of Israel. There is no duplicity in him.” Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree.” Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this.” And he said to him, “Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”
Reflect: Liturgy Alive
“’Come and see.’
At this invitation, Nathanael, abandoning the fig tree of the law, whose shade prevented him from receiving the light, went to the one who withered the leaves of the fig tree, of the barren fig tree, of the fig tree that did not bear fruit. For this reason, the Word testified to him, saying that he was a true Israelite” (Saint Gregory of Nyssa)
Bartholomew's encounter with Jesus, as described in the Gospel of John, offers us profound insights into our faith journey and mission. His initial scepticism is evident when he asks, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” Philip’s response is simple yet powerful: “Come and see.”
This invitation to “come and see” is the first step in our faith journey. It is an invitation to encounter Jesus personally. Bartholomew's scepticism was transformed into faith when he met Jesus and experienced His divine knowledge and love, and he immediately made his profession of faith: “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.”
"How should we go to the Lord? Like this, with our truth as sinners. With confidence, also with joy, without putting on make-up. We should never put on make-up before God! We must go with the truth” (Pope Francis)
“Angels are spiritual creatures who glorify God without ceasing and who serve his saving plans for other creatures: ‘The angels work together for the benefit of us all’” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. 350)
Pray:
Make us into true disciples of Jesus
who live as we believe day after day,
and who cooperate in bringing people
to your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Act:
As Christians, we are called not only to come and see but also to go and tell. Our encounter with Jesus compels us to share the Good News with others.
