ST. ANDREW
Romans 10:9–18; Psalm 19; Matthew 4:18–22
Today’s gospel speaks about Jesus invitation and the immediate response of the disciples. Jesus invites Simon Peter and Andrew, who were fishermen, to follow Him. They left their fishing nets and followed him without hesitation. As disciples, let us stay with him, follow him, and be his witnesses. We need to be good followers to become good leaders. If we follow, then we shall not wallow.
Their decision to give up their fishing nets represents a drastic change from their previous way of life to become ardent disciples of Jesus. Their immediate response demonstrates their readiness to answer Jesus’ summons with promptness and devotion.
Andrew is well-known for introducing people to Jesus. He brings his brother Simon Peter to meet Jesus in John 1:41–42. Later, during the feeding of the 5,000, he brings a lad to Jesus with five barley loaves and two fish (John 6:8–9). We, too, can bring others to Jesus.
According to tradition, Andrew traveled around preaching the gospel in places like Greece and Scythia. He was crucified on an X-shaped cross near Patras, Greece, which came to be known as St. Andrew’s Cross.
Saint Andrew is celebrated on November 30th, and he is recognized as the patron saint of Scotland, Ukraine, Russia, and Greece, among others. Through his intercession, we pray for peace in these nations.
Let us pray.
We humbly implore your majesty, O Lord, that, just as the blessed Apostle Andrew was for your church a preacher and pastor, he may be for us a constant intercessor before you. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever. Amen!
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
