Andrew means Manly or Courageous

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Advent Season : 1st Week : Wednesday*

*Gospel : Mt 4:18-22*

*First Reading : Rom 10:9-18*

*Feast of St Andrew the Apostle*

*Andrew means Manly or Courageous*

*1) 2nd in the List of Apostle*

Andrew's name comes in the second place in the list of the Apostles. 

This also shows the importance of St Andrew, the commitment, and also the beginnings of the team of Jesus 

After Peter, being his brother, Andrew also enjoyed a considerable influence among the apostles 

*2) Andrew means courageous*

According to the meaning of his name, Andrew's courage can be seen in the following areas 

*As a fishermen* Andrew is a courageous man. Because fishing is a risky trade. At any moment anything can happen. 

In this context, it is very visible that only those who have tremendous courage can go for fishing. Cowards can never become the fishermen

*Andrew's decision*

When Jesus said to Andrew, follow me, he left everything and followed Jesus 

To leave everything and to follow Jesus, immediately, needs a tremendous courage. Andrew exhibited that courage 

*Andrew and feeding of the 5000*

When there was a issue of feeding the 5000, other apostles were confused. But Andrew was confident that Jesus would do something. 

So he directs a little boy towards Jesus with five loaves and two fish to do something

In such a moment Andrew did not lose courage but, he was fully confident

*Martyrdom of Andrew*

Andrew was martyred during the reign of King Nero

He was tied to a *X* shaped cross. He was not crucified but tied to the Cross. 

It was precisely to prolong the sufferings and to torture him 

Even before his death he preached the Gospel. 

So all these shows the tremendous courage of St Andrew

*3) Andrew in my Life*

There is a little Andrew who is hidden in my life 

Like fishermen Andrew all of us are called by the Lord to follow and to proclaim the Gospel. 

We are called upon to exhibit a great amount of Courage in preaching the Gospel, living the Gospel  and bearing witness to the Gospel. 

So how does these aspects of St Andrew work in my Life?

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*