It is 24th August 2017. We celebrate the Feast of St Bartholomew, the Apostle. Bartholomew is generally identified with Nathanael, who was admired and appreciated by Jesus himself. Jesus complimented him saying, “Here is a true child of Israel. There is no duplicity in him.” (John 1:47). Jesus promised him greater things for his transparency, honesty and sincerity in knowing Him and loving Him. The readings are from Revelations 21:9-14; and the Gospel from John 1:45-51. The first reading explains the work of the Church among people on earth as Jerusalem, the city of God comes down from Heaven. It speaks of the new city of God and our new home with God to which we all long to reach. The twelve apostles (Rev.21:11) represent the Church. The Church is the instrument of salvation established and planned by God came from the mind of God to which St. Bartholomew is part of. All those who are faithful to Jesus will live together in the new earth. The responsorial Psalm praises, “Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your Kingdom.” (Ps.145:12). The Gospel presents the person of Nathanael and his attitude towards Jesus. Even though he had some harsh words about the place of birth of Jesus, but the way Jesus approached him with the words of recognition and appreciation pulled him to Jesus. No matter what others say about us, we are what we are in front of Jesus because He knows our inner hearts and disposition to the Truth. Philip was the one who took Nathaniel to Jesus. We are prejudiced about some people and form an opinion and hold something against the other. We even go to an extent to demolish the names of the others because our sinful prejudice through our phone conversations and personal encounters. We must know the truth and that the truth will set us free. Jesus is our truth and let us be extremely careful about those who spread the people’s stereotypes and prejudices. As we have accepted the Lord Jesus as our personal savior, let us lead others to meet who Jesus really is. We cannot pretend to be good and holy for a long time. Our true worth before God is known to God alone. God sees us through and through. Let not our prejudices about the other persons blind the true vision of God in our lives. May you have a good day.