Tuesday, November 30, 2021

 Feast of Saint Andrew, apostle

(Romans 10:9-18; Matthew 4:18-22)

Once it was said that the Feast of St. Andrew was the beginning of Advent.  Of course, that is not true.  But the beginning of Advent always falls on the Sunday closest to the Feast of St. Andrew.  The two events have more in common than this, however.

Advent announces the coming of Christ to judge the world.  Andrew, like the other apostles, preached this message.  Now, almost 2000 years have passed since this message was first proclaimed.  Still Christ has not come.  Is it rational to continue expecting him?

Yes, we can answer, for several reasons.  First, Andrew testified to the risen Christ whom he evidently saw.  Indeed, he was martyred for his testimony.  Second, saints through the ages – including some of history’s wisest people – gave the same testimony.  Their faith was more than the youthful enthusiasm.  It was insight verified by experience.  Finally, the inherent logic of the faith that has been handed down begs adherence.  Meditation confirms that Catholic doctrine conforms well with the deepest human intuitions. Other reasons can be added. Nevertheless, we cannot escape the truth that acceptance of Christ’s return depends on faith.

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