REFLECTIONS TODAY
Andrew is one of the first four to be called by Jesus; he is the brother of Simon Peter. Like Simon, he is a fisherman. The Gospel of John indicates that he was first a disciple of John the Baptist (1:35-51). After John the Baptist introduces him and another disciple to Jesus, he leaves the Baptist and follows Jesus. In the list of the Twelve, his name is always placed on the fourth, that is, next to that of Peter, James, and John (Mk 3:16-18). In some instances, his name also appears with that of Philip (Jn 6:1-9; 12:20-23).
Literally, Andrew means “manly.” During the three-year ministry of Jesus, this apostle proves himself to be such: a silent disciple when compared to his brother Simon Peter, but a determined one. He has his own way of relating with Jesus. He asks Jesus privately about the destruction of the Temple (Mk 13:3-4). While Philip initially talks with the Greeks who want to meet Jesus, it is with Andrew that Philip finally approaches Jesus to let him know about these men (Jn 12:20-22). In the story of the multiplication of the bread, while Philip is explaining to Jesus about the great cost of feeding the crowd, Andrew speaks to Jesus about the boy who has five barley loaves and two fish (Jn 6:1-10).
FIRST READING • Rom 10:9-18
Brothers and sisters: If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. The Scripture says, "No one who believes in him will be put to shame. There is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all, enriching all who call upon him. For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
But how can they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach? And how can people preach unless they are sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of those who bring the good news! But not everyone has heeded the good news; for Isaiah says, Lord, who has believed what was heard from us? Thus faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ. But I ask, did they not hear? Certainly they did; for/ Their voice has gone forth to all the earth,/ and their words to the ends of the world.
Gospel • Matthew 4:18-22
As Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen. He said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him. He walked along from there and saw two other brothers, James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They were in a boat, with their father Zebedee, mending their nets. He called them, and immediately they left their boat and their father and followed him.
Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2022,” St. Pauls, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.