Saint Andrew, Apostle – Feast
Gospel – Matthew 4:18-22
“And they left their nets at once and followed him”. Today is the feast of St. Andrew, who is one of the first disciples. He is the brother of St. Peter. Following Jesus is very easy if you can leave everything else. These fishermen had only their nets and boats. The left them and followed Jesus. This immediate and wholehearted response reflects a deep trust and willingness to embark on an unknown journey of faith. Have the courage and strength to leave everything, then you can follow Jesus. The challenge of leaving behind what we hold dear—whether possessions, routines, or even personal aspirations—can be daunting. However, the story of St. Andrew inspires us to find the courage and strength to prioritize our spiritual calling above all else. It is not merely about physical abandonment but also about letting go of distractions or attachments that hinder our ability to follow Jesus fully. Today, let us pray for the grace to embrace such trust and openness in our own lives. May St. Andrew’s example inspire us to respond to Jesus’ call with courage, allowing us to walk the path of discipleship with faith and purpose. Let’s reflect: What “nets” or attachments in my life might I need to let go of in order to follow Jesus more fully and respond to His call with trust and openness?
Don Giorgio