Breaking the Word

Bartholomew, Thursday – 24^thAugust 2023 — Gospel: Jn 1,45-51

Extraordinary Transformation

Bartholomew was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and traditionally he is identified as Nathanael. The Gospel of John speaks about the man named Nathanael. He is mentioned six times in John’s Gospel, whereas the name Bartholomew is mentioned once in each of the synoptic Gospels and also in Acts of the Apostles, in the list of the names of the Apostles. The reason why Bartholomew is identified as Nathanael is because in all the lists of the twelve, Bartholomew is named in the company of Philip. Nathanael was brought to Jesus by Philip. Jesus calls Nathanael as “an Israelite in whom there is no guile.”

John portrays Nathanael as a man who speaks his mind. He says of Jesus, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” After having had a personal experience, Nathanael professes his faith in Jesus saying, “You are the Son of God, You are the King of Israel.” His former disbelief in someone from Nazareth is changed to an awareness of the person of Jesus. What instantly changed his perspective and life were: a personal knowledge and relationship with Jesus, empowered by the Holy Spirit.  In his encounter with Jesus, Nathanel was interlocked with extortionary happenings in him, helping him overcome fear and vulnerability.

20^th Week in Ord. Time, Wednesday – 23^rd August 2023 – Judges 9,6-15; Mt 20,1-16

Being Suitable and Responsible

The first reading describes how some of the Israelites sought to have a king like their neighbouring tribes and nations. But it is obvious from Jotham’s parable that this is not what God wants. Jotham, the judge, climbs upon Mount Gerizim and tells the parable of the trees looking for another tree to be the king of the trees. Those trees that are doing what they should continue to produce what they are called to do. They are grateful that they can bring joy and happiness to others by doing what God intends them to do – producing fruit. They do not seek to wave over the other trees. So here, olive, fig, and vine trees of value for man, which produce fruits of great importance, refuse kingship. The story reflects Israel’s distaste for monarchy at this time. It implies that the most valuable and productive people are not interested in being kings. They represent Gideon, who refused to be king or found a dynasty. The thorny bush, fruitless and noxious, agrees to rule over the trees and inflicts harsh times upon the other trees. This represents Abimelech, a person entirely unsuited for the role. Through this fable Jotham is forecasting hard times for the people for choosing to have a king which is not according to God’s plan. Sometimes those who are capable can avoid taking on responsibilities because they are reluctant to give up something they like doing. As a result, the leadership task may be done by someone incapable or unsuitable. On the other hand, there may be someone ambitious for some role not suited. Discernment is often needed to discover whether God wants or we are making good use of our talents.