The vision of the heavenly Jerusalem is not meant to be taken literally. It is an image of perfection and beauty, filled with sacred symbols and numbers, and is meant to portray the new creation of God. We should not look for this city in this place or that but in the human heart and soul - that is where God does God's best work! We can focus on the preciousness and beauty of creation and our part in it.

Bartholomew is identified with Nathaniel in John - they are likely the same person. We know little about him, although later legends place him in India preaching the gospel. The passage from John shows that he was a blunt, honest, no-nonsense type of person. Can anything good come from Nazareth? Jesus must have been amused - and he was impressed. Here was an individual who didn't play games or try to manipulate and win favor with people by smooth words. That openness and honesty served him well for he went on to recognize in Jesus the Son of God and the King of Israel. Let us strive to cleanse our hearts and minds of all forms of deceit. Good things do come from Nazareth but also from us!