Blessed are those who hear!

Readings for Monday November 30, 2009

Feast of Saint Andrew, Apostle

First Reading: Romans 10:9-18
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 19
Gospel: 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. (Mt 4:18-22)

In today's gospel, we read about the calling of the first disciples, among those was Andrew. Today specifically we celebrate his feast day and honor him for his love and dedication of the Lord. I think that after reading about Andrew and the other apostles that were called, we should find great comfort in our own calling to the Lord. Many times we feel inadequate in the things that we feel the Lord is calling us to. But we must remember that when Jesus called those first disciples, He wasn't looking in the schools and the palaces for the most educated or most experiences men. Jesus called His first disciples while walking along the beach. He called fishermen and tax collectors. Jesus wasn't looking for the world's best and brightest (and this is obvious in His choices), He was looking for those who would hear His voice and listen.

Saint Paul tells us today that; "Thus faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ." (Rom 10:17) Saint Andrew and the other Apostles were picked because they heard the voice of Christ and listened; they had faith in Him who came into this world for us. When called for His purpose, they went; even if they didn't fully understand at the time, they still went with Him. We can say what we want about the disciples in their early years of following Christ, but it takes a lot of faith to leave everything and everyone you know behind to follow Him. Saint Andrew and the other apostles in today's gospel are excellent examples of surrendering the things of this world and following the Lord, may we all be blessed with same type of courage in our own lives.

If faith comes from what is heard, then blessed are those who hear our Lord Jesus Christ!

Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, help us to hear you and to know you more. Lord, as we go along in this season of advent, help us to gain a better understanding of this time and of your coming into this world for us. Lord, may we grow in faith, hope and love of you during this time. We pray for all those in need of conversion, may the season of advent draw them closer to your love and your truth. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.