St. Andrew, apostle.

Matthew 4: 18-22
As Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen. He said to them, "Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men." At once they left their nets and followed him. He walked along from there and saw two other brothers, James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They were in a boat, with their father Zebedee, mending their nets. He called them, and immediately they left their boat and their father and followed him.

Introductory Prayer: Lord, I want to thank you for this moment of conversation. Help me to open my heart to your will. You are the goal of my life, and I want to direct all that I am toward you.

Petition: I want to hear and follow Christ’s call to be his disciple.

1. Andrew Brings Simon to Jesus Today we celebrate the feast of one of the first disciples. In the Gospel of John, it is recorded that Andrew was a disciple of John the Baptist when he went to stay one afternoon with Jesus. It was an afternoon that changed his life. When he returned home, the first thing Andrew did was to approach his brother Simon and tell him that he had found the Messiah. Then he brought Simon to Jesus. Andrew didn’t keep his faith to himself, but was inspired by love to share the good news with others. Every true encounter with Christ leads us to share that experience with others.

2. They Leave Everything Then came the moment when Jesus called Andrew to take on a larger role in the mission of saving souls. He, along with his brother Simon Peter, would be part of the Twelve. Andrew responded immediately, dropping his nets and leaving everything behind. He shows us the only fit response to God’s call in our lives. He didn’t leave reluctantly, but joyfully went with Jesus and took part in his mission of saving souls.

3. He Persevered to the End Andrew was faithful to the end. He persevered in his vocation. He began well, and he finished well. It is not enough to start the race for the crown of everlasting life, because each turn in the road leads to occasions for us to turn around, to return home, and not to finish. Scripture tells of disciples who did turn around, never to follow Christ again. Like Andrew, we need to persevere to the end, faithful to all that Christ calls us to do.

Conversation with Christ: Jesus, Andrew brought his brother Simon to you. Who do you want me to bring to you? Who are the people with whom you want me to share my faith today? Sometimes I hesitate and hold back when I hear your voice nudging me forward. Give me the grace to respond immediately to your call in my life.

Resolution: I will speak of my faith to someone today.