Festival of St. Bartholomew, Apostle
1 Corinthians 12:27-31a
27 Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. 28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then deeds of power, then gifts of healing, forms of assistance, forms of leadership, various kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work powerful deeds? 30 Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? 31a But strive for the greater gifts.
“… 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work powerful deeds? 30 Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? …”
Do all sweep the floor? Do all carry out the garbage? Do all wash the dishes? Do all change light bulbs?
On this festival day in which we remember St. Bartholomew, we recognize that it is not only the “big” deeds that are needed for the life of the world but the smaller deeds as well. Not all are apostles, prophets, or teachers. Some are janitors, housekeepers, dishwashers, and maintenance workers. For the work of Christ to be done in the world, it requires all of us.
Brother Lawrence was a seventeenth century French monk. His main job in the monastery was washing the dishes. Though a humble act, Lawrence found the work fulfilling because in it he discovered and dwelt in the presence of God. In his book, “The Practice of the Presence of God”, he writes: “We ought not to be weary of doing little things for the love of God, who regards not the greatness of the work, but the love with which it is performed.”
No matter the task – great or small – when done with the love of God in one’s heart, it is gift and a treasure as much as any apostle, prophet, or teacher may offer.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the gift of working in Your Kingdom. Help me to see that what I do in Your name and with Your love within is a gracious offering to You and to the world. Amen.