Feast of Saint Andrew, Apostle
Intention: That the start of this Advent will herald for us a time of prayer and conversion as we return our hearts and our lives to the work of building God’s Kingdom of peace, justice, and love.
Today’s 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.
A Reflection for the First Wednesday of Advent
It is hard to describe the life of Christ without using the word call. From the moment of his birth, Jesus was God’s word and voice, beckoning the world to enter into God’s time and ways. For us as Church, to answer that call is to follow Jesus by being ambassadors of his creative and saving presence. We can do this by seeking and reaching out to one another – especially those most in need – in fellowship and service. Just as the first visitors to the manger knew that they had to make their way there, we too must heed the urging that points us to the redemption of faith and faithfulness in the presence of God. Advent is a time for reflecting on what it truly means to be in the moment of our salvation.
Prayer
Eternal Father, you sent your Son that we might know the fullness of your love. Help us to always listen for your guidance in our lives and in the life of your church. Teach us to be faithful disciples who abandon ourselves to God’s will for us in whatever you would have us do to build your Kingdom. In this time of Advent, may we learn to be instruments of your good news wherever we go, especially where your peace and justice are needed most. We ask this of you who lives and reigns with your Son and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.