John 1: 45-51 (Wednesday, August 21, 2007 – Feast if St. Bartholomew)

“Here is a true child of Israel, there is no duplicity in him.” This is an amazing statement from Jesus about Nathaniel. Most scholars believe that Nathaniel is the same apostle with Bartholomew. When Jesus looks you in the face, can he say that, “this is truly a Christian, there is no duplicity in him?” Christianity is not an outward show. It is a religion of the heart. Our external practices must come from our internal movements. It is not enough to do the external things when your heart is not in relationship with Jesus. We must reflect today and ask ourselves if we are real. If you are not, it is time to do something about it. The external practices will not engrave your name in the heavenly Jerusalem. What will do is a life lived in and for Jesus.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus Christ, sometimes we are hypocritical in our actions. We let the external things dominate our lives so that people will say we are truly holy. Help us to be real. Take away the spirit of spiritual pride from us that we may truly access ourselves and work towards being the people you have called us to be.