Sermon for The Commemoration of St. Bartholomew and the Confirmation of Addison Kate Lewis, 2025

Consider the witness of Bartholomew. After that first confession, his life of discipleship carried him far. Tradition tells us that he proclaimed Christ and Him crucified in foreign lands, until at last he came to Armenia. There, after preaching the Gospel to the king and baptizing him, the king’s elder brother, himself a king and devout worshiper of idols, became enraged and “ordered the holy apostle Bartholomew to be beaten with rods; and after having been thus scourged, to be beheaded.” Even in the face of death, Bartholomew remained steadfast in his confession of Christ Jesus. Still, the greatness of Bartholomew was not in his own strength. It was in the faithfulness of Jesus, who saw him, knew him, called him, forgave him, and sustained him. And the same Jesus who strengthened Bartholomew throughout his life, even to the point of death, strengthens you as well, Addison. 

Beloved, you see before you today a young woman confessing her faith in the same Lord who called Bartholomew. Yet her confirmation is not merely a private milestone. Her vows ring in your ears, reminding you of when you likewise publicly declared what she does today. She confesses what you confess, what the Christian Church, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone, confesses. Addison kneels beside you at this altar, and you kneel beside her. Together you confess your sin, together you receive God’s mercy, and together you are nourished with the Body and Blood of Jesus. Here at this altar, heaven is opened. Here Jesus Himself serves you with His Body and Blood, forgiving your sins, strengthening your faith, and uniting you together in Himself.

Readings:

• Old Testament: Proverbs 3:1-8

• Epistle: 2 Corinthians 4:7-10

• Holy Gospel: John 1:43-51 and Luke 22:24-30

Sermon: