Are You Listening?

Readings for Tuesday November 30, 2010

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)

Imagine you are sitting at your desk one day or in your home and a stranger walks by and says, "Come and follow me." You would probably be thinking "yeah right, do you know how much work I have?" Or you might be thinking, "I don't even know you, and you want me to leave what I am doing and follow you?" This would be the response of most people, but it was not the response of the Apostles when Jesus walked by. They did not stop to think it over, they did not look at the pros and cons, they did not worry more about what they were doing. They simply got up and followed Christ.

The Apostles like Saint Andrew (who's feast day we celebrate today) give us a great example of true faith. As Saint Paul says in his letter to the Romans: "Thus faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes from Christ." (Rom. 10:17) The Apostles heard the calling of Christ, and they followed, thus demonstrating true faith. Which begs us to ask the all important question; are we listening for Christ in our own lives? Are we seeking out His calling for us? Are we too busy in the things that we are doing to follow the Lord?

He is here with us at all times, and if we would just take moments throughout our day to stop and listen, then we will hear Him speak. Remember, one cannot follow if they do not hear the guide.

Saint Andrew, pray for us.

Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for all that you have blessed us with. We are sorry for all of your gifts that we take for granted and do not use for your glory. Lord, help us to always be listening for your voice in this busy, chaotic world. Lord, you are the only one who can bring us true peace and joy, may we always strive to be with you. We pray for the conversion of all those who do not believe, and who are unwilling to follow. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.