Daily Catholic Lectio
Mon, 24 Aug 2026
Saint Bartholomew, Feast
Rev 21:9-14. Jn 1:45-51
From Doubt to Faith
Today we celebrate the feast of Saint Bartholomew, the Apostle. John the Evangelist calls him Nathanael. This must have been his personal name. “Bartholomew” in Aramaic means “son of Talmai.” “Nathanael” means “gift of God” or “God has given.”
After Philip meets Jesus, he goes to his friend Nathanael and says, “We have found him.” Nathanael hesitates and asks, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” But when Philip says, “Come and see,” Nathanael goes to meet Jesus.
Nathanael moves from doubt to faith.
First, Nathanael’s doubt. He is in doubt about the identity of Jesus. His question, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” reveals the prejudice he carries within him.
Second, divine knowledge. Jesus knows us beyond our doubts. He reveals who Nathanael is: “Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.” Before Nathanael recognises Jesus, Jesus already knows Nathanael.
Third, the turning point. Nathanael makes his confession: “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” The moment we meet Jesus, our life begins to change.
Fourth, “You will see greater things than these.” By recalling the dream of Jacob, Jesus reveals that He Himself is the ladder between heaven and earth. In Him, heaven and earth meet.
Nathanael, who is Bartholomew, gives his life as a martyr for Jesus. His life tells us that all who meet Jesus receive a complete transformation of life. The moments he spent with Jesus may have been few, but the change he received was great.
Whenever doubt about Jesus rises in our heart, the voice “Come and see” continues to call us.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
A Yesni Prays Initiative
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