August 12, 2007
Vol. 1, no. 8
Grace and peace to you from our loving Lord Jesus Christ!
This summer, we have been remembering the faithful witness of the saints. It is appropriate that we look at the saints of God’s Church triumphant during this season of Pentecost because the season after Pentecost is known as the season of the Church. The Church is made up of all believers in Christ, both on earth and in heaven. Our communion liturgy reminds us of that when we say we gather “with angels and archangels and all the company of heaven.”
Today we look at the example of Nathanael Bartholomew. Here we see a disciple who believed at once, who was amazed at the mysterious workings of God. The name "Bartholomew" appears in the New Testament only on lists of the names of the twelve apostles. John gives no list of the Twelve, but refers to more of them individually than do any of the Synoptic writers. He doesn't name Bartholomew, but early in his account (John 1:43-50) he tells of the call to discipleship of one Nathaniel who is supposed to be the same person.
The reasoning is as follows: John's Nathanael is introduced as one of the earliest followers of Jesus, in terms suggesting that he became one of the Twelve. He is clearly not Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Thomas, Judas Iscariot, or Judas (not Iscariot), all of whom John names separately.
He isn't Matthew, whose call is described differently. This leaves Bartholomew, James the son of Alpheus, and Simon the Zealot. Of these, Bartholomew is the leading candidate for two reasons: (1) "Bar-tholomew" is a patronymic (a father-based name), meaning "son of Tolmai (or Talmai)." Thus, it's quite likely that he had another name. (2) Nathanael is introduced in John's narrative as a friend of Philip. Since Bartholomew is paired with Philip on three of our four lists of Apostles, it seems likely that they were associated.
We have no certain information about his later life. Some writers, including the historian Eusebius of Caesarea, say that he preached in India. The majority tradition, with varying details, is that Saint Bartholomew preached in Armenia, and was finally skinned alive and beheaded in Albanus or Albanopolis on the Caspian Sea. His emblem in art is, therefore, a flaying knife or knives. Michelangelo certainly followed this line of thinking, imposing his own face on Bartholomew in his "Last Judgment" fresco.*
* from http://aardvarkalley.blogspot.com/2006/08/bartholomew-apostle.html
The Lord be with you,
Pastor Jim
Worship Practices
(Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Why are we instructed to gather in “silence for reflection on God’s Word and for self-examination?”
A: Directions are included as part of the service. These directions are called rubrics (Latin for “red”; instructions for conducting the service, often written in red.) Following the rubrics gives us a better idea of what we are to do next.
One of the first rubrics in the liturgy directs the congregation to experience Silence for reflection on God’s Word and for self-examination. Everyone knows what silence is, but few are comfortable with it. This rubric in effect says: “Stop and examine your life according to God’s Word.” This is the time to bring to mind the sins you have committed this week and lay them before the Lord in the Confession of Sins that follows.
For us who stand before God as His baptized and redeemed children, this is not a fearful silence, but a time to remember our fallen, sinful nature and examine our actions in light of the Ten Commandments. It is also a time to reflect on our total dependence on God’s mercy for our salvation. Observe the time of Silence and reflection on God’s Word and for self-examination, and then be ready to hear His freeing Word and Absolution, forgiving you for all your sins.
*Worshiping with Angels and Archangels: An Introduction to the Divine Service, pg. 7
Upcoming Worship Opportunities
As we get closer and closer to the start of a new school year, we also look for new ways we can fix our eyes on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. The gifts of the Church are the worship, prayers and praise of God’s saints and His loving service to us through His Word and Sacraments. Beginning on September 5 we will have a regular Wednesday evening Service of Prayer and Preaching at 7 pm. These services will be geared toward the teachings of the Small Catechism and themes throughout Scripture. The first six weeks will look at the use of water in Scripture as well as the Doctrine of Holy Baptism. Make it a priority to join us for this time gathered around the Word.
Also, I will be praying the Litany (LSB 288-289) Monday-Thursday at noon in the sanctuary. If you are ever around please join me for this beautiful prayer of the Church. It takes about 10 minutes and is a beautiful break in the middle of the day!
One more opportunity for worship will be offered beginning on September 5. On Thursday mornings, at 7:15 am Matins will be offered. It is hoped that this could be a good opportunity to reach out to families taking their children to the elementary school behind us.
Next Week`s Readings
St. Bartholomew (observed)
Proverbs 3:1-8
2 Corinthians 4:5-10
John 1:43-51
The Lord be with you!
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, 908 W. Main Middleville, MI 49333 +269-795-2391+ goodshepherdlcms@gmail.com