Feast of St. Andrew, apostle
(Romans 10:9-18; Matthew 4:18-22)
If your house were burning, what would you want to get
before leaving? Some might say their
telephone or laptop. Others might
answer their cat or dog. Except for
another human being, the correct answer is to get yourself out of the house
without hesitating a moment. Today’s
gospel shows Andrew and Peter and then James and John making the right choice
in another critical situation.
Jesus passes by the fishermen and calls to them. Although the evangelist Matthew gives no
indication, perhaps they know of Jesus.
In any case, they follow him as abandonly as lemmings going to the sea. Andrew and Peter leave their nets
behind. James and John forsake not only
their boat but their father as well to accompany Jesus. They see in him the fulfilment of their deepest
desires and hopes.
Although the Feast of St. Andrew does not always fall in
Advent, it is quite in line with the theme of the season. Because Jesus is coming soon, we best prepare
to follow him. We have to let go of many
of the things which have brought a sense of satisfaction. These may include sins like indulgence in
drugs or illicit sex. At the same time
we must strive to be like our leader, showing mercy and developing an ongoing
conversation with the Lord.
