persuasion

Today we celebrate the feast of St. Bartholomew, one of the original apostles. Bartholomew is belived to have been skinned alive, martyred.

The question to ask is why? Why would he embrace such an ordeal? Why would he allow himself to be killed in such a fashion, when he could have avoided it all by simple saying the word?

Why the risk? Why the offer? Why die in such a manner?

One could ask that of any and all martyrs: why?

PErhaps becasue thay were persuaded. The persuasion of the cross and the resurrection was overwhleming.

This is why they embraced life and death. St. Bartholomew refused to save his own skin becasie he was won over by the power of persuasion of the Christ who was crucified and who was risen from the death.

There is no greater persuasion then the cross of Christ to move the will, to direct the heart, to empower us to stand fast even in the mist of trial and persecution.


Have yo been persuaded?

Or do you still seek to save you own skin?

Philip told Nathanael aka Bartholomew "we have found the one about whom Moses wrote in the law, and also the prophets, Jesus son if Joseph, from Nazareth."

He is found, are we?

St. Bartholomew pray for us!