the city had twelve foundations

Monday, August 24, 2009 St. Bartholomew, Apostle (Feast)

First Reading: Psalm: Gospel: Revelation 21:9-14 Psalm 145:10-13, 17-18 John 1:45-51

Revelation 21:14  And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

The city here is Jerusalem that comes down from Heaven.  That is not the physical Jerusalem.  It is referred to as the Bride of Christ, that is the Church.  And the foundation for this city, the Church, is the 12 Apostles.  I don’t see any mention of scripture here, though we have the word and witness of the Apostles through the scriptures.  But it it the men that Jesus chose and taught and sent out with power that are the foundation of the church.  I think in some sense that is true to day as well.  It isn’t the one who can expound scripture, but the one that is called by Jesus and sent out with his power.

Father, help me by your Holy Spirit to not get hung up on interpretations but to hear your call and answer.

Amen