Today we celebrate the feast of St Andrew, one of the twelve apostles. Like many of the apostles, the Gospels do not give us many details about him. Today’s reading from Matthew’s Gospel 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. Andrew and Simon Peter immediately put down their nets and followed Jesus. Tradition has it that Andrew brought the Gospel to the people of Turkey and Greece, giving up 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. 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 the beginning of the Advent season this upcoming Sunday, as we hear of the witness of Andrew 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.
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