24 August 2020 – St Bartholomew
The wall of the city has twelve foundations,
and on them are the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
From Apocalypse 21: 9-14 (NRSV)
Many people identify Bartholomew with Nathanael whose first meeting with Jesus we hear about in the Gospel. (John 1: 45-51). He became one of the twelve people closest to Jesus – the apostles. Our Reading speaks of the gates of the heavenly city – with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel above and the walls founded on the names of the twelve apostles. It reminds us of the deep foundations upon which our faith is built and that we stand on the shoulders of giants.
- Why is it important to know about the foundations of our faith – and the sometimes “wobbly” people who are part of them?
- Who are the “giants” in your faith-life on whose shoulders you stand?
Give some time to remembering the “giants” in your life – and giving thanks that you are privileged to stand on their shoulders.
