“SPRINGS OF LIVING WATER”
Daily Spiritual Reflections
30th November 2021
------------------------------------------------
TUESDAY, FIRST WEEK OF ADVENT
Feast of Saint Andrew, the Apostle
Rom 10: 9-18; Ps 19: 2-5; Mt 4: 18-22
------------------------------------------------
THE MISSION AND PASSION OF SAINT ANDREW
Today is the feast of St Andrew the Apostle. As soon as he heard the testimony of John the Baptist calling him ‘the Lamb of God’ (cf. Jn 1:35-39), Andrew was very enthusiastic to follow Jesus. It is interesting to note that in the Gospel according to John, Andrew is mentioned three times, and each time he is described as an apostle who is introducing someone to Jesus: “The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus.” (Jn 1:41-42). It was Andrew who brought Peter to Jesus! Andrew is also in the front line to introduce others to Jesus: “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish.” (cf. Jn 6:9). Andrew (along with Philip) introduced the Greeks to Jesus (cf. Jn 12:22).
Andrew was filled with zeal for the Lord till his last breath. Tradition says that he was crucified and remained hanging on the cross for two days waiting for his death. And all the while he preached the gospel to all those who came there to see him. He transformed his cross into a pulpit for the good news of his Master’s victory over death, and the gift of salvation he won for all humanity. The life of St Andrew invites us to examine the quality of our enthusiasm and commitment in seeking Jesus, in preaching Jesus, in bringing people to Jesus and making Jesus loved and adored.
The first reading speaks about the universality of salvation and its surety for all those who believe in Jesus. Paul also stresses on the necessity of mission among all people. Therefore, the gospel is to be preached to all nations without any prejudice: “All those who call out the name of Jesus will be saved.” Andrew was committed to preaching the gospel to all nations. Along with Peter, he received an offer while being called to apostleship: “I shall make you fishers of men” said the Lord. St Andrew is the patron of fishermen and singers.
Response: Their sound goes forth through all the earth.
Copyright ©2013-2021 ©Springs of Living Water by ® http://springs.carmelmedia.in
No comments:
Post a Comment