St. Andrew Couldn't Keep Jesus To Himself

Today we celebrate the Feast of St. Andrew, the apostle.

The Word Among Us had a great reflection on how he couldn't keep his relationship with Christ to himself but was always seeking to help others find the joy of knowing and following him.

Here is the Daily Reflection from the Word Among Us.

Saint Andrew, Apostle

“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.” (Romans 10:15)

How appropriate a reading for the feast of St. Andrew! A native of Gal­ilee, Andrew and his brother Simon Peter established a fishing business in the seaside town of Capernaum. Andrew probably had religious lean­ings early on. He was an ardent follower of John the Baptist and eagerly accepted John’s testimony that Jesus was the promised Lamb of God.

As he followed Jesus, Andrew found the way to true happiness and the fulfillment of all God’s prom­ises as John had taught them. Thus, Andrew knew that unless people were told about Jesus and brought to meet Jesus as he had been, they wouldn’t find the freedom and hap­piness he had come to know. And so the Gospels portray Andrew as an eager and effective evangelist, always introducing people to Jesus. He is credited with bringing his brother Simon to Jesus (John 1:40-42) and with having the courage to introduce some foreigners (Greek-speaking strangers) to the Lord as well (12:20­22). He even brought a young boy with a few loaves and fishes to Jesus (6:8-9). Andrew simply couldn’t keep Jesus to himself. He had to share him with others so that they could dis­cover for themselves the true source of joy and freedom.

St. Paul reminds us that the Gos­pel is for all. “There is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all, enriching all who call upon him” (Romans 10:12). Like Andrew, we are called to be bearers of the good news to those around us in our neighborhoods, homes, and workplaces.

Perhaps you know someone who hasn’t been to church for a long time. Invite them to Sunday Mass with you and take them out for brunch after­wards. Maybe a friend is troubled or ill. Offer to pray with him or her on the spot. Most people in need wel­come support and prayer. Don’t be afraid to let people know that God loves them and wants them to know his presence. We can’t change peo­ple’s minds and hearts, but like Andrew we can point them to the One who can.

“Lord Jesus, your word is power and life to all who believe. Give me the same boldness and faith that Andrew had, that I might bring others to you.”