THE SEA OF GALILEE ENCOUNTER: A MEDITATION ON THE CALL OF ANDREW AND SIMON PETER. (MT.4:18-22)

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In his Letter to the Romans, (Rom 10:9-18) St. Paul discusses the faith that is professed and believed in the heart. He uses a beautiful expression: “Faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ.” Over the centuries, this word of Christ has been proclaimed all over the world. Today, as we celebrate the feast of St. Andrew, the brother of St. Peter, we are given another opportunity to reflect on what it means to be called by Jesus, to be his follower.

The Gospel of the day starts by saying: “As Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter and his brother Andrew.” The gaze of Jesus is one of insight and discernment; he saw not just their physical presence, but their potential, character, and the roles they would play in his mission. He saw in them his disciples even before they were aware of it themselves.

For us as Christians, this moment is emblematic of Jesus’ call in our lives. It reveals to us that Jesus sees beyond the surface, understanding our strengths, weaknesses, and potential. We can imagine the very moment the eyes of Jesus and the eyes of the two disciples met. They were deeply touched by this profound gaze. This is one of the aspects we can ponder on today: allowing ourselves to be looked upon by Jesus. It could be good to ask ourselves this question: “Do we allow ourselves to be looked upon by Jesus?” Do we believe that Jesus has a deep understanding of us, including our strengths, weaknesses, and potential?

The call of the first two disciples underlines also the interconnection between faith and mission. It shows us the dynamic nature of Faith as both a personal conviction and a message to be shared. To follow Christ, as exemplified by Saint Andrew ad Peter, is to embark on a journey of transformation. This transformation often requires leaving behind former ways of life, priorities, or even identities, much like Andrew and Peter who left their nets to become “fishers of men.” This act of leaving symbolizes a deeper inner change, a willingness to prioritize Christ's mission over personal comfort or worldly pursuits.

Being a follower of Christ is an active and ongoing process. From baptism, whether in infancy or adulthood, one is not just labeled a Christian but is called to live out the Christian mission. This mission, as lived by Saint Andrew, Peter and countless others, involves proclaiming the word of Christ, a task that necessitates both hearing and speaking.  The Apostles announced their experience of Christ. Thus, having an experiential knowledge of Christ is key in assuming with coherence our Christian identity. In a world inundated with myriad voices and messages, the clarity and simplicity of Christ’s message can be both a solace and a challenge. 

Moreover, leading others to Christ is not merely about vocal evangelization. It's a holistic approach that encompasses our actions, decisions, and the way we live our lives. The authenticity of our faith is often best communicated through acts of love, compassion, and service, reflecting the teachings of Christ in practical and tangible ways.

In essence, to follow Christ is to continually grow in faith, to embrace the mission of spreading His word, and to live in a way that draws others towards His love and truth. It's a journey of constant learning and adaptation, where the act of leaving something behind becomes not a loss but a gateway to a deeper, more fulfilling path aligned with Christ's mission. This feast of Saint Andrew serves as a timely reminder of our calling and the transformative power of a life lived in following Christ.

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Let us Pray:

Heavenly Father,

In the spirit of Saint Andrew and guided by Your Word, we seek to follow Christ with hearts full of faith. Grant us the courage to leave behind what hinders our journey with You.

Fill us with the zeal to share Your love and truth, just as Saint Andrew did. May our words and actions lead others to Your grace and illuminate the path to Your eternal love. Guide us in our mission to be true disciples, living out our faith in every aspect of our lives.

We make our prayers through Christ our Lord! Amen.

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