A faith that began under the fig tree and went to India

21st Sunday in Ordinary Time, Aug 25, 2013
Fr. Joseph Eddy, O. de M.

There is a beautiful contemporary Christian song out now called Alive Again. This song, sung by acclaimed Catholic artist Matt Maher is unique since its lyrics are taken almost solely from the Confessions of St. Augustine. This book, written in 397 AD, is widely considered a classic in Christian thought and spirituality. One of the most touching parts of the song are the lyrics “Late have I loved You. You waited for me. I searched for You. What took me so long?” Obviously, these stirring words are from Augustine, one of the greatest Saints of the Church. However, they are so human that they can be applied to any of us.

He was “cut to the heart” in discovering Christian captives

St. Peter Nolasco was shocked and moved in finding Christians held captive and in danger of losing their faith. Read more about his heroic life and what he did about it on the website of the .

Visit the Mercedarians’

St. Bartholomew, or Nathanael as he is known in the Gospel, was searching for the Messiah. He, as Jesus tells us, is a man of sincerity; there is “no duplicity” or double-mindedness in him. Jesus, God, was waiting for Nathanael. He was “watching” Nathanael for some time. Jesus says, “I saw you under the fig tree.” Biblical scholars tell us that being “under the fig tree” is a symbol of Messianic peace.

Under the fig tree

There is something deeper than a simple rest in the shade going on here. Nathanael was contemplating the coming of the Messiah. He is suspicious of Jesus until he gets the sign. The sign for Nathanael is Jesus’ reference to sitting “under the fig tree.” This is more than enough for a single-minded man searching sincerely for the Messiah! At that moment, Nathanael knows that Jesus has known him for a long time. It is God, not Nathanael who has been waiting for this meeting and relationship. This is the beginning of faith for a man who will become a great apostle and Saint.

Faith can often be offered to us through a sign, but these signs are not enough. St. Bartholomew, or Nathanael was “all in” as soon as he received the powerful sign from Jesus. This was Nathanael’s personality; going all out all the time! But, time would reveal to this great Saint that faith is not all about signs or certitude. We all struggle with our faith. God allows even the greatest Saints to wrestle with their belief. Faith is a gift from God. It is not a onetime deal. We must foster our belief with prayer and leaps of faith. Also, we can never forget that faith is a relationship. This relationship takes time and study, learning who God really is. He has revealed himself to us in Jesus as Love, but to internalize this takes a lifetime.

Took it to India

St. Bartholomew grew in faith over time. He grew in the Virtue of faith and took that faith all the way to India. Tradition tells us that he offered his life there for the True Faith. God found St. Bartholomew not just under the fig tree but even in the depths of his heart. This is because St. Bartholomew allowed himself to be found. He came to recognize that it was God who was always there waiting for us. This knowledge is indispensable and must be shared with others, even to distant lands.