The Catholic Mass Readings for Monday, August 24, 2026, celebrate the Feast of Saint Bartholomew, Apostle. The liturgy focuses on the calling of Nathanael, traditionally identified with Bartholomew, and reminds us that Jesus knows us deeply and calls us to follow Him.
First Reading — Revelation 21:9b–14
The first reading gives us a beautiful vision of the holy city, Jerusalem, coming down from heaven.
The city has twelve gates, and the names of the twelve tribes of Israel are written on them. It also has twelve foundations bearing the names of the twelve Apostles of the Lamb.
This image reminds us of the important place the apostles have in God’s plan for His people.
Saint Bartholomew was one of those apostles. Although we may not know many details about his life, his name stands among those chosen to help establish the Church.
Responsorial Psalm — Psalm 145:10–11, 12–13, 17–18
Response: Your saints, O Lord, make known the glory of your kingdom.
The psalm invites us to praise God and proclaim His greatness.
It also reminds us that God’s kingdom is a kingdom of glory and that the Lord is near to those who call upon Him in truth.
Therefore, the example of the saints should encourage us to speak about God’s goodness and live in a way that points others toward Him.
Gospel Acclamation — John 1:49b
Alleluia, alleluia.
Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.
Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel — John 1:45–51
Philip finds Nathanael and tells him that they have found the One about whom Moses and the prophets wrote.
However, Nathanael is doubtful.
He asks:
“Can anything good come from Nazareth?”
Philip does not argue with him. Instead, he simply says:
“Come and see.”
When Jesus sees Nathanael, He describes him as a true child of Israel with no duplicity.
Nathanael is surprised because Jesus already knows him.
Jesus tells him that He saw him under the fig tree before Philip called him.
That experience changes Nathanael’s response.
He declares:
“Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.”
Jesus then tells him that he will see even greater things.
What Can We Learn From Saint Bartholomew?
Saint Bartholomew’s story teaches us that faith can sometimes begin with a simple invitation.
Nathanael initially had doubts about Jesus.
Yet Philip did not force him.
Instead, he invited him to “come and see.”
That simple invitation led Nathanael to encounter Christ personally.
Likewise, we may sometimes have questions about our faith. We may not understand everything immediately.
Nevertheless, we can continue seeking Jesus.
Jesus Knows Us
One of the most beautiful parts of today’s Gospel is the way Jesus knows Nathanael.
Before Nathanael even meets Jesus, Christ already knows him.
This reminds us that Jesus knows us too.
He knows our struggles, hopes, fears and questions.
Nothing about us is hidden from Him.
Even when we feel forgotten by everyone else, Christ knows us completely.
Do Not Let Doubt Stop You
Nathanael’s first reaction was scepticism.
He wondered whether anything good could come from Nazareth.
Still, he did not allow that doubt to prevent him from meeting Jesus.
This is an important lesson for us.
Questions do not have to destroy our faith.
Instead, they can lead us to seek deeper understanding.
Invite Others to Meet Jesus
Philip’s response is also worth remembering.
He did not give Nathanael a complicated argument.
He simply said:
“Come and see.”
As Catholics, we can do something similar.
Sometimes our lives can become an invitation to others.
Our kindness, patience, forgiveness and love can encourage someone to become curious about Christ.
Reflection for Today’s Mass Readings for August 24
Today’s Gospel asks us to consider how we respond when Jesus calls us.
Are we willing to come and see?
Perhaps you have been struggling with your faith. Maybe you have questions that you have not yet found answers to.
Do not be afraid to keep seeking.
Saint Bartholomew reminds us that an encounter with Jesus can change everything.
The Lord knows us better than we know ourselves, and He continues to call us closer to Him.
Prayer to Saint Bartholomew
Saint Bartholomew, Apostle of Jesus,
Pray for us as we seek to know Christ more deeply.
Help us remain faithful even when we have questions or difficulties.
Teach us to share the Gospel through our words and actions.
May our lives encourage others to come and see the goodness of Jesus.
Pray that we may remain faithful to Christ until the end.
Amen.
Final Thought
The Catholic Mass Readings for Monday, August 24, 2026, invite us to look at the example of Saint Bartholomew and his encounter with Jesus.
Nathanael began with a question, but he did not stop there. He came to Jesus, encountered Him and eventually recognised Him as the Son of God.
Today, Christ also invites us to come closer.
Come and see. Seek Him, trust Him and allow Him to transform your life.