Lessons from St Andrew's Life

GOSPEL THOUGHTS*

*Ordinary Season: Thirty fourth Week : Saturday*

*Feast of St Andrew*

*Gospel : Mt 4:18-22*

*First Reading : Rom 10:9-18*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 11*

*Lessons from St Andrew's Life*

*1) Call of St Andrew*

Among the Twelve disciples Andrew is one 

In the list of Apostles, Andrew's name comes at the Second Place 

After Peter it was Andrew whom Jesus called to become his disciples. 

This shows the importance and special place of Andrew among the disciples

*2) Andrew the man who brings others to Jesus*

*A)Andrews Brings His Brother to Meet Jesus*

In the Gospel of John we find that Andrew brings Peter and introduces him to Jesus

*The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus.* John 1:41-42

*B) Andrew brings the Boy*

In the miracle of multiplication of the loaves, Andrew becomes the Hero in bringing the boy to Jesus 

This boy had 5 loaves and two fish, which he generously gave to Jesus, from which Jesus fed 5000 people. It was a great miracle, and Andrew also played a major role in it. 

*C) Andrew Brings Inquiring Greeks*

On another occasion, a group of inquisitive Greeks sought an audience with Jesus (John 12:20-26).

Unsure of what to do, Philip told Andrew, who swiftly told Jesus.

*John MacArthur* says “Andrew was not confused when someone wanted to see Jesus. He simply brought them to Him. He understood that Jesus would want to meet anyone who wanted to meet him.”

*3) Andrew the man who helps to find Jesus*

From the above three incidents it is very clear that Andrew is the apostle who helps anyone who wants to meet Jesus

His intercession in meeting Jesus is true, fruitful and genuine

Like St Andrew, we need to become the instruments of the Lord, who can help others to find Jesus in their life 

*4) Andrew sees an opportunity*

In the feeding of the 5000, all others saw a massive crowd, who can't be helped with limited resources

But Andrew sees this as an opportunity for a miracle with the Master

Here we have to learn that nothing is impossible, when we trust in the Lord and ready to take help from others. 

*5) Simplicity of St Andrew*

Like St Peter and St Paul, St Andrew may not be a very popular man 

He might not have preached the Gospel to the big crowds like Peter and Paul 

There are not many stories to speak about St Andrew

But in serving without seeking recognition, leading individuals (not crowds) to Christ, and allowing God to use His gifts as He pleased, Andrew demonstrated humility, compassion, and confidence in Christ. 

Such a faithfulness and Humility is very much needed today from the disciples of Jesus 

*6) The Name Andrew*

Andrew means *manly, strong and brave*

He was trurly manly, strong and brave in following Jesus, in proclaiming his message, in witnessing Jesus and in facing Martyrdom for Jesus 

Like Andrew, today we need to be brave, Strong, and should be filled with human qualities to witness Jesus and to spread his message. 

Am I ready?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*