Thoughts for the Day

The Dispute about Greatness

A dispute also arose among them as to which one of them was to be regarded as the greatest. But he said to them, ‘The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you; rather the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.

‘You are those who have stood by me in my trials; and I confer on you, just as my Father has conferred on me, a kingdom, so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

In 1993 SPCK published my 'Sermon Slot: Year 2' full of bright ideas for a leader to include in 'All Age Worship'. It was to be the second of five such books and on the Second Sunday after Epiphany I looked at the 12 Disciples. I noted all the occasions in the New Testament that each individual was mentioned by name, and included their symbol. So Peter is mentioned many times and his symbol is the crossed keys against an upside down cross. Today we celebrate the festival of Saint Bartholomew. He only appears a couple of times and his symbol is 3 fleshing knives - he is believed to have been flayed alive and crucified.

What we do know about Bartholomew is that he witnessed Jesus healing the sick, raising, the dead, and performing miracles. When Jesus sent out the twelve disciples, he was sent, perhaps with Philip (for his name is often linked to Nathaniel's) and given power to "heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, and drive out demons" (Matthew 10.7-8). After Jesus' death and resurrection he was given power by the Holy Spirit with the other disciples (Acts 2.1-4).

Bartholomew was obviously to serve his Lord faithfully to the end of his life, helping to spread the Gospel to the people of his time until the Lord gathered him into His Kingdom. He is just one of millions of faithful Christians who served our Lord, but today we thank God for this faithful servant.

Collect for Saint Bartholomew

Almighty and everlasting God
who gave to Your Apostle, Barnabas,
grace to believe and to preach Your word:
grant that Your Church
may love that word that he believed
and may faithfully preach and receive the same;
through Jesus Christ Your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with You,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.