St Bartholomew & Teaching of Christ – Aug 24 – Homily – Fr Matthias

 

Fr Matthias gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Aug 24, 2023, on the feast of St. Bartholomew, emphasizing the Apostles' role in echoing Jesus' teachings, the importance of Tradition alongside the Bible, and the enduring presence of Christ within the Church.

Today, we honor St. Bartholomew, one of the Twelve Apostles, often identified with Nathanael from Cana in Galilee. Tradition suggests he might have been martyred in Armenia after converting its king to Christianity.

As an Apostle, Bartholomew witnessed Christ's life from baptism to ascension. The Apostles' role was pivotal; they echoed Jesus' teachings and actions. God's revelation isn't limited to the Bible. While the Bible is the word of God, it doesn't encompass all of God's communication with us. This concept, known as the material insufficiency of Scripture, emphasizes that the Bible alone doesn't provide its full meaning. The authors of the Bible also passed down its interpretation, which we recognize as tradition and the magisterium.

A memorable phrase captures this: God didn't just wish to leave us a manual; He wanted to be our Emmanuel. The Second Vatican Council highlights that the Apostles taught as Jesus did through oral preaching and example. For instance, the Bible doesn't provide an inspired table of contents or specify Sunday as the worship day for Christians. Such knowledge comes from Tradition. The Apostles' practices and teachings, passed down, form the foundation of the Church.

Despite human imperfections, the Church remains Christ's community. Just as Christ was always surrounded by his Apostles, He remains amidst His Church today. The Church is the sacrament of salvation, extending Christ's presence through time. We must cherish and remain faithful to our Catholic Church, the community established and loved by Christ.

In conclusion, we pray: Strengthen in us, O Lord, the faith by which the blessed Apostle Bartholomew clung wholeheartedly to your Son. May your Church become the sacrament of salvation for all. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

00:00 - Introduction to St. Bartholomew
00:18 - Biographical Details
01:03 - Apostles as Witnesses of Christ's Life
02:08 - Material Insufficiency of Scripture
03:40 - Apostles' Oral Preaching and Example
05:17 - Christ Surrounded by His Church
06:44 - Church as Sacrament of Salvation
07:29 - Collect Prayer Summary

Ave Maria!

Mass: St. Bartholomew the Apostle - Feast - http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=390
& https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02313c.htm
Readings:  - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/082423.cfm
1st: rev 21:9-14
Resp: psa 145:10-13, 17-18
Gsp: joh 1:45-51

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1142

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