Sometimes we might think “climbing the greasy pole” or advancing in terms of our status, is the mark of success. However, St Bartholomew shows that being in the background yet faithful is just as worthwhile. Fr Richard reflects on today’s readings from Mass.
Readings for the Feast of St Bartholomew can be found here.
On becoming prime minister for the first time in 1868, 30 years after entering Parliament, Benjamin Disraeli said “I have climbed to the top of the greasy pole”. Often, climbing the greasy pole is seen as a mark of success. An MP, we might think, should want to become a minister or even prime minister. A soldier or police officer should seek to advance a through the ranks; and there’s possibly a point to be made about priests becoming bishops, but we’ll leave that to one side!
We know that the apostles of Jesus once argued among themselves who was the greatest, who was at the top of the greasy pole. And certainly, some are more well known than others. We read a lot about Peter, James and John in the Gospels. And yet there are others who are much more in the background. One such is Bartholomew, who we honour today. In the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke and in Acts he’s only mentioned in the lists of the apostles. In today’s Gospel, he’s identified with Nathaniel, and has only a minor part.
Most of us will be more like Bartholomew. We are not likely to climb the greasy pole (and may not want to, for that matter!). Yet Bartholomew is no less of an apostle for being less prominent. Indeed, our reading from Revelation says that the heavenly city will be built on the foundations of the twelve apostles, suggesting they are all equal. And in response to that argument about who was the greatest, Jesus reminded his friends that being the least is the true sign of greatness. History may not record much about Bartholomew, but we know that he was a faithful follower of Jesus, which is why we honour him today. Our discipleship may not make us famous but that’s not what matters. Following Bartholomew in being faithful is what truly counts.
Mass today is in St Dyfrig & St Samson at 6.30pm.
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