St. Bartholomew

Some thoughts about St. Bartholomew on his feast day. 

St. Bartholomew, whose feast we celebrate today, is a famous person about whom we know very little.  Jesus called him to be an apostle.  He traveled with him, learned from him, shared the Last Supper with him, abandoned him at the crucifixion, was joyfully astounded at his resurrection, was sent by him to preach the gospel and to baptize all nations, was filled with the Holy Spirit to effectively fulfill his ministry; just like all the rest of the apostles.  His name means “Son of Tolmai” and he is called Nathaniel in St. John’s Gospel.  Eusebius, an early Church historian, reports that he brought the Gospel according to St. Matthew to India.  He was martyred by being flayed alive at Albanopolis in Armenia.
You know, eleven of the twelve apostles, plus Paul and many others were executed for their faith, often very horribly.  We are very fortunate that we can practice our Christian faith and rarely suffer more than mild ridicule, if that.  What a challenge it is to our lukewarmness when we treat lightly privileges for which other Christians have died; like the opportunity to attend Church on Sunday or to speak publicly about Christ! 
The writer to the Hebrews wrote this, just before the section we heard on Sunday.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, 2looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1-2)