Nov. 30, 2011 Wednesday: St. Andrew, Apostle
Andrew, like his brother, Simon Peter, was a fisherman. He
became a disciple of St. John the Baptist. However, when John pointed to Jesus
and said, “There is the Lamb of God,” Andrew left John at once to follow the
Divine Master. Jesus knew that Andrew was walking behind him. Turning back, he
asked, “What are you looking for?” Andrew answered that he would like to know
where Jesus stayed. Our Lord replied, “Come and see.” Andrew had been with
Jesus only a little while when he realized that this was truly the Messiah.
From then on, he decided to follow Jesus. He became the first disciple of
Christ.
Next Andrew brought his brother Simon (St. Peter) to Jesus. The Lord received him, too, as his disciple. At first the two brothers continued to carry on their fishing trade and family affairs. Later, the Lord called them to leave their way of life behind and be his full-time followers. He promised to make them fishers of men, and this time they left their nets for good. It is believed that after our Lord ascended into heaven, St. Andrew preached the Gospel in Greece. He is said to have been put to death on an X-shaped cross, to which he was tied not nailed. He lived two days in that state of suffering. Andrew still found enough strength to preach to the people who gathered around their beloved apostle.
Two countries have chosen St. Andrew as their patron—Russia and Scotland.
When St. Andrew saw the cross on which he was to die, he exclaimed: “Welcome, O good cross, made beautiful by Christ’s body!” We can ask St. Andrew to help us recognize our particular cross. He’ll strengthen us to accept that cross generously.
Next Andrew brought his brother Simon (St. Peter) to Jesus. The Lord received him, too, as his disciple. At first the two brothers continued to carry on their fishing trade and family affairs. Later, the Lord called them to leave their way of life behind and be his full-time followers. He promised to make them fishers of men, and this time they left their nets for good. It is believed that after our Lord ascended into heaven, St. Andrew preached the Gospel in Greece. He is said to have been put to death on an X-shaped cross, to which he was tied not nailed. He lived two days in that state of suffering. Andrew still found enough strength to preach to the people who gathered around their beloved apostle.
Two countries have chosen St. Andrew as their patron—Russia and Scotland.
When St. Andrew saw the cross on which he was to die, he exclaimed: “Welcome, O good cross, made beautiful by Christ’s body!” We can ask St. Andrew to help us recognize our particular cross. He’ll strengthen us to accept that cross generously.
