Feast of St. Bartholomew: Reflection by Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh
Theme: JESUS: THE GOOD IN YOUR NAZARETH
(John 1:45–51)
The question Nathaniel asked about Nazareth today touched me so much. When he was told that the Lord has been found in Nazareth, he asked: Can anything good come out of Nazareth?
This generates a lot of questions in me. Could it be that he has been looking for Jesus everywhere except where Jesus is?
What are the Nazareths of my own life? What are those areas of my life that have been seen as unproductive by people? Can I today welcome Jesus to make my life a pilgrimage centre? Can I invite Jesus to take absolute control of my being that I may become a testimony? Is it possible to become a good example after serving as a very discouraging example for people for so long?
Welcoming Jesus changes a lot in us. Welcoming Jesus will bring in goodness, holiness and open doors. Something good came out of Nazareth that has been written off.
Has the enemy taken it for granted that you’re conquered, you have been overcome? You’re compromised? You have fallen? Surprise him. Let Jesus in.
What is the presence in you that makes the source of all goodness absent in your life? Keep him away. Who is taking your attention away from Christ? Sin? Friend? Conditions? Welcome Jesus Christ into your life and your Nazareth will be good.
Have your parents concluded that you’re a failure? Have your friends trashed you? Have you been tagged by the society as useless, jobless and hopeless?
Jesus is telling you today that there is something good in you.
He will gather people to come and behold the favours emanating from your life.
Just be open to the operation and guidance of the Spirit of God. Your family will no longer be termed useless, your marriage will no longer be described as fruitless, your labour will not be in vain. Your longing and desire will not go unattended. The good in you will shine out. Your time of pain and tears will be over. You will find the good you are searching for.
Bartholomew, also known as Nathaniel, asked the question about anything good coming out of Nazareth. This tells us that he looks out for nothing but the good. He is after goodness. Jesus testifies to this goodness when He declared: “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!”
LET US PRAY
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your word today, thank You for the gift of St Bartholomew, we come to You with faith praying that no evil in us, operating in our families, militating against our world may stop Your goodness from being manifested in us through Christ our Lord. Amen
St Bartholomew, Pray for us.
God bless your Tuesday (21st Week, Ordinary Time)
Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh