Feast of St Andrew, Apostle
34th Week in Ordinary Time : Saturday 30th November 2019
Rom. 10:9-18; Ps. 19(18):2-3,4-5;
Mt. 4:18-22 (Ps Wk II)
Andrew had been a follower of St John the Baptist. When he and Peter were called by Jesus to be His followers, the fishers of men, they left all things to follow Him.
In the first reading, St Paul tells us that all men, Jews and Gentiles alike, are called to follow Jesus but that not all will listen to the Good News. We have heard that call and manifest our acceptance by believing from our heart and confession with our lips. The faith we have received is our greatest treasure and to lose it would be our greatest loss.
Since it is a priceless gift and is offered to all men and women, it should be our endeavour to share this faith like Peter and Andrew who were ‘fishers of men’. This sharing of faith can be done in many ways, and the means available to each one of us is to live a better Christian life nourished by the love of the Lord in prayer.
The experience of St Theresa of the Child Jesus, Patroness of the Missions, who did her missionary work from within the walls of a convent, is our assurance that we too can collaborate with Jesus in the Church by spreading the Good News of God’s love to all people.
Lord, may the example of St Andrew spur within us the desire to share our faith with others, especially by being generous in loving You and our fellowmen and women.