"Grandparents: A Treasure" at:
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Pope Benedict XVI, Shepherd of Truth is designed as a bulletin insert
which you can use at your local church to keep up to date on what the Holy
Father is saying. You are free to reproduce it for this purpose.
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Monday, August 24, 2009, St. Bartholomew
Revelation 21:9-14, Psalm 145:10-13, 17-18, John 1:45-51
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/082409.shtml
FIGURATIVELY SPEAKING
"Jesus responded: 'Do you believe just because I told you I saw you under
the fig tree? You will see much greater things than that.' " —John 1:50
Bartholomew (Nathanael) was prejudiced against Jesus because Jesus came
from Nazareth (Jn 1:46). Yet after Jesus mentioned He saw Nathanael under
the fig tree, Nathanael changed completely, moved from prejudice to faith,
and acknowledged Jesus as "the Son of God" and "the King of Israel" (Jn
1:49).
Why was Nathanael so impressed by Jesus' remark that He saw him under the
fig tree? What was Nathanael doing under the fig tree? No one knows why
the fig tree was so significant to Nathanael. Some Bible commentators
mention that the fig tree could be symbolic of the Israelite nation (see
Mk 11:12ff). Thus Jesus' reference to the fig tree would have special
symbolic significance. Others see Jesus using the supernatural gift of
knowledge, as He did with the Samaritan woman at the well (Jn 4:18). Jesus
could have been noting a secret sin Nathanael committed under the fig tree
(see 1 Cor 14:24-25). Another possible interpretation is that Nathanael
was praying under the fig tree, praying for the coming of the Messiah.
Jesus presented Himself as the immediate Answer to Nathanael's prayer.
On this special feast day, let the Lord speak to you symbolically,
prophetically, and/or prayerfully. You'll never be the same.
Prayer: Father, may I hear You say something today that changes my heart.
Promise: "The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon
Him in truth." —Ps 145:18
Praise: St. Bartholomew, whose name Nathanael means "gift of God,"
received God's prophetic word with such zeal that he gave up everything
and followed Jesus.
(For a related teaching, order our leaflet, "Hearing God", or on audio AV
45-1 or video V-45.)
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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my
permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from
August 1, 2009 through September 30, 2009
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, February 11, 2009
The rescript is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be
free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have
granted ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or
statements expressed.
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