St. Andrew, the Apostle, Thursday – 30th November 2023 — Gospel: Mt 4, 18-22
Radical Response
Andrew was the son of Jonah, the brother of Simon Peter, and a fisherman by trade. Both seem to have come from Bethsaida, although at the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry they were in Capernaum. In all the Gospel lists of the apostles, as well as in the Acts (Acts 1,13), his name is listed among the first four. John’s Gospel narrates many incidents of Andrew’s life. Andrew was a disciple of John the Baptist before becoming a disciple of Jesus (Jn 1,40). As a result of his first encounter with Jesus, Andrew came to realize that Jesus was the Messiah. He then went to tell his brother Simon, whom he brought to Jesus (Jn 1,41). He and Philip also brought the Greeks to Christ (Jn 12,20-26). He is specifically mentioned for his involvement in the feeding of the five thousand (Jn 6,8). In other Gospels, he appears alongside Peter, James and John. Andrew is said to have been martyred by crucifixion at the city of Patras. His crucifixion is believed to have been on Cross that was shaped like the alphabet X. This cross is commonly known as “St.Andrew’s Cross” today. Today’s Gospel reveals Andrew’s loving spontaneity and his radical trust in Jesus. When he was suddenly called to the extraordinary life of an Apostle, he readily left his nets and boats and followed him.
