(First century) Bartholomew is mentioned in Matthew 10:1-4, Mark 3:13-19, Luke 6:12-16, and Acts 1:13 in lists of Apostles, and identified by scholars as Nathaniel (bar Tolomei) in John 1:45-51 and 21:2, where he is listed as from Cana in Galilee.

When Saint Philip brought Nathaniel to Jesus, Jesus said, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile” (John 1:47). No guile. Guile means cunning or deception. Honesty, open-mindedness, and willingness are three key spiritual principles in recovery. Where have we acted with guile in our affairs? Where have we discovered (or rediscovered) honesty and integrity instead?

“Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel” (Nathaniel, aka Saint Bartholomew, John 1:49).

Reflection by Brad Farmer