AUGUST 24
BARTHOLOMEW, of Cana, in Galilee, is probably that Nathaniel who was brought to Christ by Philip (John i. 45). Chosen an apostle, he journeyed to India, preached the gospel everywhere, and converted great numbers to Christ. Returning thence, he came, after many labors and sufferings for Christ’s sake, to Greater Armenia, where he converted a great multitude of persons to the faith. At last he was cruelly tormented, flayed alive, and then beheaded by Astyages, brother to the king, at the instigation of the idolatrous priests.
Prayer
Almighty, everlasting God, Who hast granted us a venerable and holy joy on this day, in the festival of Thy blessed apostle Bartholomew, grant to Thy Church, we beseech Thee, both to love what he believed and to preach what he taught. Through Our Lord Jesus Christ, etc. Amen.
EPISTLE i. Cor. xii. 27-31.
Brethren: You are the body of Christ, and members of member. And God indeed hath set some in the Church, first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly doctors, after that miracles, then the graces of healings, helps, governments, kinds of tongues, interpretations of speeches. Are all apostles ? Are all prophets ? Are all doctors? Are all workers of miracles? Have all the grace
of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But be zealous for the
better gifts.
GOSPEL Luke vi. 12-19.
At that time : Jesus went out into a mountain to pray, and He passed the whole night in the prayer of God. And when day was come, He called unto Him His disciples ; and He chose twelve of them (whom also He named apostles) : Simon whom He surnamed Peter, and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew, Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alpheus, and Simon who is called Zelotes, and Jude the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot who was the traitor. And coming down with them, He stood in a plain place, and the company of His disciples, and a very great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and the seacoast both of Tyre and Sidon, who were come to hear Him, and to be healed of their diseases. And they that were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. And all the multitude sought to touch Him, for virtue went out from Him, and healed all.
Prayer
O St. Bartholomew, who out of love to Christ didst not only part with thy goods, but didst also endure the most cruel death, pray God for me, a vain child of this world, that for love to my Saviour I may readily and joyfully renounce everything earthlyand temporal, crucify my flesh, and become thereby worthy to follow thee in heaven. Amen.
-- Goffine’s Devout Instructions
