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
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