Feast of Saint Bartholomew, Apostle

“Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this.” And he said to him, “Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” 

In our lives we will see many works by the Lord, both great and small. These experiences constantly offer us the opportunity to undergo a deeper conversion of our souls. At first, we might respond to God like Nathan and wonder what good has come from him, but as he reveals his plan to us we will come to appreciate his goodness. We will recognize the great things he is doing in our lives and through them. If we are open to Jesus, then we will make present the heavenly kingdom through our every thought, word, and work. When people see us they will witness a Jacob’s ladder. Our prayers and good works will ascend to God and His inspiration and strength will descend upon to us. We will be instruments of God’s Will just as Nathan eventually becomes.

Are we constantly on the lookout for the daily miracles, great and small, that surround us? What revelations has God given us in regards to becoming better children of God the Father, disciples of Jesus Christ, and conduits of the Holy Spirit? Do we offer up our prayers, while at the same time opening ourselves up to the workings of the Lord?

O Lord, help us to witness to and embody the graces your heavenly kingdom.

Amen.