November 30 2017 – Feast of St Andrew the Apostle – Homily for Thursday of the 34th week in Ordinary Time – Matthew 4:18-22, Romans 10:9-18

        Today we celebrate the feast of St Andrew, one of the 12 apostles.  Like many of the apostles, the Gospel does not have many details about him.  Today’s reading from Matthew tells us that Andrew was the brother of Simon Peter, that he was called to be a disciple out of the everyday reality of his life while he and his brother were casting a net into the sea.  Jesus called them to follow him; they were amongst his first followers.  Andrew and Simon Peter immediately put down their nets and followed him.  Tradition has it that Andrew brought the Gospel to the people of Turkey and Greece after Jesus’ death and resurrection, where Andrew gave his life as a martyr in order to continue Christ’s mission to the world.

         In his letter to the Romans, Paul tells us how important it is for us to share our faith with others, to continue the work of Christ here on earth by preaching the Gospel always.  Paul tells us it does not matter if we are Jew or Greek.  It does not matter who we are and what our status in life is.  Christ’s Gospel is open to all.
       As we journey through these last days before we begin the  Advent season this weekend, as we hear of the witness of Andrew the Apostle on his feast day, may we see the responsibility we have in helping to spread the Gospel throughout the world.  As part of our Advent practices, may we find new and different ways that we can help Jesus and his apostles in their mission to spread the Good News throughout the world.