Feast of Saint Andrew, Apostle
Feast of St. Andrew the Apostle, celebrated in the community of the Church is a reminder that every disciple of Jesus Christ is sent to the world to proclaim the Gospel. To fulfill this mission, bravery is needed (Greek, Andreia means Bravery, hence the name Andrew can be translated as brave. Andrew preached the Gospel in Pontus and Bithynia (Asia Minor), in Thrace (today's Bulgaria), and finally in Greece, Epirus and Achaia. He was honored mainly in the Eastern Church, of which he is the patron. As a sign of reconciliation with the Orthodox Church, the Holy Father Paul VI in 1964 handed over the relic of the Apostle's head to the Greeks.
St. Andrew the Apostle was the brother of Simon Peter. Together with him, he shared the hardships of the fisherman's work. But he was looking for more in his life. He was a sincere and truth-seeking man. That is why he joined the disciples of John the Baptist who preached the need for conversion. When he heard from his master at Jordan that the Lamb of God had come, he immediately followed him, followed Jesus. And, following the Lord with his friend John the Evangelist, he heard the memorable words: "What are you looking for?" They stayed with him that day. It was about tenth o’clock, as we read in John's Gospel. It was an hour of vocation that he remembered all his life.
This meeting with Jesus bore fruit in the Apostle's life that was noticeable to others. Andrew shares his joy of meeting Christ with his brother, Simon, who also decided to follow the Messiah. Andrew, together with his friend Philip, went with the Lord Jesus to Cana of Galilee, where he witnessed the miracle of changing water into wine. He was one of the disciples closest to Jesus. After the miraculous catch of the fish, Jesus confirmed his calling with the words: "Follow me."
Let us pray to the Lord that we may always valiantly fulfill the vocation to which we are called, just like St. Andrew. Let us also, following the example of St. Andrew, experience Jesus' joy by boldly sharing our testimony of faith with our closest family. We can do it very discreetly, so let the first stage be the transformation of our lives and the related fruits of conversion: peace, helpfulness, forgiveness.
Looking at St. Andrew, we can discover in him a spirit of generosity and enthusiasm. That is why his example is so necessary for us today. He reminds us that the Advent Gospel invites us to the simplicity and beauty of waiting for Lord Jesus who constantly comes.
Until Tomorrow
fr. george