In the Gospel of John, the figure of Nathanael (perhaps the Apostle Bartholomew) is highlighted, defined by Jesus as "an Israelite in whom there is no deceit" (Jn 1:47) and who makes his profession of faith in the Lord:
"Rabbi, You are the Son of God, You are King of Israel" (Jn 1:49).
Captivated by the newness of the Spirit, Francis changes his life and becomes a sign of contradiction for a world that had no desire to depart from commonplaces, from the path of traditions.
His free heart confronts every contempt in order to be loyal to Christ and his Gospel.
The Sources inform us:
"Francis, the unlettered, the friend of simplicity, with an incomparably sincere and noble heart [...] how much this name of Francis befits him, to him who had a frank and noble heart more than any other" (FF 529).
Embracing his new state of life, one day, to the brigands who attacked him asking who he was, in sincerity, he replied:
"I am the herald of the great King; does this interest you?" (FF 346).
Again:
"With equal fervour he immediately revealed and candidly confessed before everyone the feeling of vainglory, which sometimes took possession of his spirit.
One day, an old woman came up to him as he was passing through Assisi and asked him for alms.
The Saint had nothing but his cloak and immediately gave it generously to her.
But, sensing that a feeling of vain complacency was seeping into his soul, he immediately confessed in front of everyone that he had felt boastful" (FF 716).
He indeed can be considered "a son of the Promise" in whom no falsehood dwelled!
Herald and Witness of sincerity in the service of the Gospel.
St Bartholomew Ap. (Jn 1:45-51)