Dress to God's Word / "Liturgical Dress": Bart

'Jewel' tie pin: "Jerusalem's radiance was like that of a precious stone,... clear as crystal." (1st reading)'

'Angel' pin: It had with gates where angels were stationed (1st reading); "You'll see God's angels ascending and descending..." (gospel)

'Crowns' tie: "Your friends make known your Kingdom's splendor." (psalm); "You are the King of Israel" (gospel)

'Phone' tie bar: The Lord is near to all who 'call' on him (psalm)

'Eyeball' pin: "Come and see" (gospel)

Red shirt, tie, and suspenders: color of St. Bartholomew feast

Listen

Take the word of God with you/ Harrison, Walker, but hear this one for the chords; sheet music (apostle-inspired; also yesterday's closing song)

Read

Rv 21:9b-14 To show me the Lamb's bride, the angel took me, showed me radiant Jerusalem with its wall, 12 angel-staffed gates and 12 Apostle-inscribed courses of stones.

Ps 145:10-11, 12-13, 17-18 "Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your Kingdom." Let your works thank you and your faithful bless you. Your dominion is for all ages. You are just, holy, and near.

Jn 1:45-51 Jesus / Nathanael [Bartholomew]: “Here's a true child of Israel. duplicity-free.” / “How do you know me?” / “I saw you under the fig tree.” / “You're Son of God, King of Israel.” / “You believe because I told you I saw you under the tree? You'll see greater things: heaven opened, angels ascending/descending.”

Reflect

Fr. Ward homily podcast: "Life is short; be a saint!" (Start of homily refers to a data breach in the news.)

Creighton: Philip, who had met Jesus and believed he was the Messiah, told Nathanael (AKA Bartholomew) the good news; he doesn't believe at first but comes to believe. Guided contemplation: Lord, help us use our senses and imagination to encounter you and believe, like Nathanael. Imagine the place (surroundings, street, trees, plants, weather?...); place yourself in the scene as Nathanael (Where? Crowded? What do the people look like? What are they doing?...). What am I doing when Philip finds me? What do I hear and smell? How do I react to Philip’s words? (Sarcastic like him? What keeps me from believing?) Why do I give it a chance and go with him? What happens in my mind and heart when I meet Jesus? What do I want to ask or express to Jesus now? What does he say now?... May I encounter and welcome Jesus in our lives, in the poor and week....

One Bread One Body: "The fig tree": Bartholomew, prejudiced against Jesus because Jesus came from Nazareth, came to faith. No one knows why the fig tree was so significant: some commentators say it symbolizes Israel; some see Jesus using the gift of knowledge, as he did with the woman at the well; or maybe Nathanael was praying under the fig tree for the Messiah's coming and Jesus presented himself as answer to his prayer....

Passionist: "Transparency": Jesus says of Nathanael: “There's no deceit in him”; the Greek is dolos, which comes from “bait for fish.” We offer a worm not to feed a fish but to eat it. Jesus saw Nathanael as transparent, not presenting himself as caring for others while using them. One can claim transparency but practice duplicity, pretending to have one intention while acting under the influence of another. 'Nathanael' means 'gift from God.' God's gifts must be used to serve him and his people, not appropriated for selfish needs. May I be transparent in my relationships with God, others and myself....

DailyScripture.net: Philip invited Nathanael to "come and see"; an encounter with Christ is more effective than argumentation. The fig tree was a symbol of God's peace and blessing; it provided shade and refreshment. Rabbis gathered their disciples under one to teach them. Likely Nathanael was thinking about God, reflecting on God's promise to send a Messiah, or daydreaming; he recognized Jesus was the Messiah.... The Lord opens the way for each of us to "ascend to heaven" and to bring "heaven to earth" in our daily lives. God's kingdom is present in all who seek him and do his will....

St. Bartholomew, apostle, patron of the sick. Went to India? Martyred in Armenia?

Msgr. Ronald Knox, originally Anglican, apologist, Oxford chaplain, translated Bible (online, side by side with Septuagint and Vulgate), known for A Retreat for Lay People and other writings, not without controversy. Hear broadcast; read about it.

Dress to God's Word / "Liturgical Dress"