Feast of Saint Andrew the Apostle
Scripture:
Romans 10:9-18
Matthew 4:18-22
Reflection:
The Lord Jesus said to Andrew, "Come!" And Andrew came. Peter and the other twelve soon heard the same call and they too came. They came with their gifts and successes. They came with the faults and failures. They came to listen to Jesus and to watch him in action. They came to learn about him and grow in his friendship. They came to experience his wisdom and patience. They came to see his compassion and power.
And they came as a group so they could support one another and cheer each other on. Yes, for three years they were disciples in training. Then they saw Jesus suffer and die. And together they cried.
After his resurrection these disciples experienced Jesus’ forgiveness. They were nourished in the breaking of the bread. They began to understand his love. And together they rejoiced.
Then Jesus told them, "Go! Now you are ready. Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel. Go feed my lambs. Go feed my sheep. And when the going gets tough, remember that I love you."
"The liturgy is the summit toward which the activity of the church is directed; it is also the fount from which all her power flows." (Sacrosanctum Consilium #10)
Each Sunday we are called to "Come" to the summit, come to Mass. Come with our gifts and successes. Come with our faults and failures. Come to listen to the Lord and watch him is action. Come to learn about Jesus and grow in his friendship. Come to experience his wisdom and patience. Come to experience his compassion and power.
And come as a Christian community to support one another and cheer each other on. Come to cry together and to rejoice together. Come to be transformed by remembering and taking part in his death and resurrection. Come and be nourished by his body and blood.
At the end of Mass Jesus says to us, "Go! Go forth from the fount. Go feed my lambs. Go feed my sheep. Be my presence in the world. Bring about my kingdom more fully in your time and your place. And when the going gets tough, remember that I love you.
"Come. Do this in memory of me. Go."
Fr. Alan Phillip, C.P. is a member of the Passionist Community at Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center, Sierra Madre, California. http://www.alanphillipcp.com/