ST ANDREW AP. (FEAST) Red
He was a brother to Simon Peter and a disciple of John the Baptist. He was the first apostle called by Jesus (Jn 1:40). Upon his invitation he left his net and everything and followed Jesus. His immediate response and commitment to Christ’s invitation leaves us an example. He preached the gospel in what is now modern Greece and Turkey. He died preaching from the X-shaped cross on which he was crucified.
First Reading: Rom 10:9-18; Psalm: 19 3. R. v. 5; Gospel: Mt 4:18-22
FAITH RESPONSE
BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP
It is apt to celebrate this great apostle as the advent season draws close. This is because in the life of St Andrew, we see how we should respond to God’s invitation as we await his coming. Andrew was busy fishing with his brother Simon Peter when Jesus called him. His immediate response to the call of Jesus, leaving behind his net, shows the right attitude that every true follower of Christ should emulate in response to God’s call. A response of trust and total submission.
In few days time, we shall begin the season of advent. A time we prepare for the coming of Christ at Christmas. During this period, we should cultivate the attitude of being attentive to what God is calling us to do. Perhaps, we have been so busy and barely listen to God. And maybe that’s why we have been sad and unhappy. Jesus calls us today to listen to his call and follow his path by putting away our sinful old ways of life. This doesn’t mean taking a break from our sinful attitudes but putting away sin completely to follow the path of righteousness as we await the coming of Christ.
St Andrew, the saint we celebrate today, preached the gospel in what is now modern Greece and Turkey. He never ceased in his zeal for the gospel after that immediate response to the call of Jesus. He remained committed even to the point of death. He was crucified on an X-shaped cross (saltire) at Patras. He preached the gospel from that cross as he hung on it for two days. Just like St Andrew, once we have decided to follow Jesus, let our commitment carry us to the end.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Lord Jesus, help us to trust in you and to follow you everyday of our life. Amen.
