By the Revd Dr Rob Marshall, Rector, Digswell.

August 2025 Newsletter

Bartholomew, one of the Twelve, is often remembered more by absence than presence. The Gospels tell us little, and his name appears only in the lists of the apostles. Yet his obscurity is precisely why he speaks so profoundly to us today.

We live in an age that rewards visibility, where worth is measured by likes, followers, and influence. But the quiet steadfastness of Bartholomew—who followed Jesus without fanfare—calls us back to a deeper truth: that faithfulness, not fame, is the mark of a true disciple.

According to tradition, Bartholomew travelled far—perhaps as far as India or Armenia—bringing the Gospel to those who had never heard it. He is said to have died a martyr’s death, skinned alive for his witness. His suffering reminds us that the cost of discipleship can be real and raw. But his life tells us something equally important: that the Gospel often spreads not through headlines but through hidden acts of love, courage, and constancy.

In this, Bartholomew becomes a patron for all those who serve quietly, pray faithfully, and give generously without seeking recognition. In every parish there are Bartholomews—people whose names may not be remembered in history books but who build the Kingdom of God one hidden moment at a time.

Today, in a noisy and self-promoting world, Bartholomew teaches us the holiness of humility and the power of obscurity when rooted in Christ. And that, perhaps, is what our Church needs most.

I look forward to celebrating his life with you when I lead a service at DVC on his Feast Day (24th August). Fr Rob