“Take My Life, Take My Skin: The Martyrdom of St. Bartholomew”
“Take My Life, Take My Skin: The Martyrdom of St. Bartholomew”
Today, Fr. Anthony Gramlich, MIC, offers a remarkable reflection on St. Bartholomew the Apostle, also known as Nathanael; a man of great faith and honesty, “without duplicity.” When he encountered Jesus, he recognized Him as the fulfillment of the prophecies and came to understand that He was truly the Lamb of God. Fr. Anthony reflects on Bartholomew’s profound witness and his brutal martyrdom, traditionally believed to have been skinned alive. Even Michelangelo’s Last Judgment in the Sistine Chapel depicts the apostle holding his own skin; a haunting reminder of the price he was willing to pay for Christ.
St. Bartholomew’s story is not simply about suffering, it is about fortitude, courage, and total surrender to Jesus. The apostles were imperfect men, yet they allowed Christ to transform them into fearless witnesses who were willing to give their very lives for the Gospel. As we reflect on Bartholomew’s words and example, may we too ask for the grace to stand firm in our faith, confront the challenges of our time, and say with our lives: “Take my skin, take my life; I belong to Jesus.” Even death cannot have the final word, because Christ promises the resurrection of the body.
Readings for August 24th 2026: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/feast-saint-bartholomew-apostle
© 2026 Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception. All rights reserved.
⭐️ Support our Ministries:
https://www.thedivinemercy.org/donate...
✝️ Explore Divine Mercy on Divine Mercy Plus! https://divinemercyplus.org/?source=YT
⛪️ Plan Your Visit to the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy!
https://www.shrineofdivinemercy.org/?...
Follow Us on Social Media!
📸 Instagram: / thedivinemercy
🔵 Facebook: / divinemercyofficial
【ꚠ】TikTok: / marianfathers
Download our AD FREE app Divine Mercy Plus: https://divinemercyplus.org/our-apps
St. Bartholomew’s story is not simply about suffering, it is about fortitude, courage, and total surrender to Jesus. The apostles were imperfect men, yet they allowed Christ to transform them into fearless witnesses who were willing to give their very lives for the Gospel. As we reflect on Bartholomew’s words and example, may we too ask for the grace to stand firm in our faith, confront the challenges of our time, and say with our lives: “Take my skin, take my life; I belong to Jesus.” Even death cannot have the final word, because Christ promises the resurrection of the body.
Readings for August 24th 2026: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/feast-saint-bartholomew-apostle
© 2026 Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception. All rights reserved.
⭐️ Support our Ministries:
https://www.thedivinemercy.org/donate...
✝️ Explore Divine Mercy on Divine Mercy Plus! https://divinemercyplus.org/?source=YT
⛪️ Plan Your Visit to the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy!
https://www.shrineofdivinemercy.org/?...
Follow Us on Social Media!
📸 Instagram: / thedivinemercy
🔵 Facebook: / divinemercyofficial
【ꚠ】TikTok: / marianfathers
Download our AD FREE app Divine Mercy Plus: https://divinemercyplus.org/our-apps
You might also like...
When people say, “I don’t need to go to church. I’m spiritual, I’m not into organized religion," remind them that Jesus Himself organized religion – the Catholic Church. Discover how, in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus established the Church, giving His Apostles the authority to forgive sins and act in His Name. Then be inspired by former NFL quarterback Elvis Grbac as he shares the importance of the Church to him and his family.
What does science have to say about a saint's body when it is found to be incorruptible? Why do Catholics venerate relics? Is this science or superstition? Is it faith or paganism? Join Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, to hear about this fascinating subject. And hear the story of a man who made his living as a chef, feeding bodies, to become a priest, feeding souls.
