St. Andrew, the Apostle: A Life of Faith and Mission – November 30

In the name of God the Father, Christ Jesus His Son and the Holy Spirit, One True God. Amen

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ

Introduction:

On November 30, the Church commemorates and remembers the life of St. Andrew, the Apostle of Jesus. He is also known as St. Andrew the “First-Called,”. St. Andrew played a significant role in spreading the teachings of Jesus Christ. Let’s delve into the extraordinary life of this beloved saint and learn about his unwavering faith and dedication to his mission.

Early Life and Calling:

Born in the fishing village of Bethsaida, St. Andrew grew up in a humble family. He was the brother of Simon Peter and son of Jonah. As a young man, Andrew followed in his father’s footsteps and became a fisherman. Little did he know that his life was about to take a transformative turn.

According to the Gospel accounts of Matthew and Mark, Andrew and Simon Peter were both called by Jesus together while they were casting their net into the Sea of Galilee to become “fishers of men”. Jesus called out to them, saying, “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Without hesitation, Simon Peter and Andrew dropped their nets and became one of the first disciples of Jesus.

The Gospel of John states that Andrew was a disciple of John the Baptist, whose testimony proclaiming Jesus as “the Lamb of God” first led him, and another unnamed disciple of John the Baptist, to follow Jesus. Andrew at once recognized Jesus as the Messiah, and hastened to introduce him to his brother, showing an unusual apostolic spirit. (cf. Jn 1:37-39)

In the Gospel accounts, we find Andrew being referred to as being present on some important occasions as one of the disciples more closely attached to Jesus. The first is that of the multiplication of the loaves in Galilee. On that occasion, it was Andrew who pointed out to Jesus the presence of a young boy who had with him five barley loaves and two fish (cf. Jn 6: 8-9).

It is noteworthy to state Andrew’s realism for he realized the insufficiency of the minimal resources to feed the large multitude. However, Jesus knew how to make them sufficient for the multitude of people who had come to hear Him.

We again find Andrew being one of the important members among the disciples of Jesus, when certain Greeks went to see Jesus, they came to Philip, but Philip then had recourse to Andrew (cf. Jn 12:20-23). Then Philip and Andrew together lead them to Jesus. Andrew and Philip, the two Apostles with Greek names, served as interpreters and mediators of this small group of Greeks with Jesus.

Another occasion where we see Andrew in the Gospels is while he is in discussion with Jesus.

As Jesus left the city, a disciple drew Jesus’ attention to the sight of the massive walls that supported the Temple. The Teacher’s response was surprising:  he said that of those walls not one stone would be left upon another. Then Andrew, together with Peter, James and John, questioned him:  “Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign when these things are all to be accomplished?” (cf. Mk 13: 1-4).

In answer to this question Jesus gave an important discourse on the destruction of Jerusalem and on the end of the world, in which he asked his disciples to be wise in interpreting the signs of the times and to be constantly on their guard.

We also find Andrew present with Jesus at the Last Supper.

Missionary Work:

Little else is known about St. Andrew’s missionary work. But Christian tradition states that he went on to preach the Good News around the shores of the Black Sea and throughout what is now Greece and Türkiye. Some traditions state that he travelled even as far as Russia, leaving a lasting impact on the regions he visited.

St. Andrew’s missionary work took him far and wide, spreading the message of love, peace, and salvation.

One of St. Andrew’s most significant contributions was his role in establishing the Christian community in Byzantium, which later became Constantinople (present-day Istanbul). His efforts in this region laid the foundation for the Eastern Orthodox Church, which remains vibrant to this day.

Martyrdom and Legacy:

St. Andrew’s unwavering commitment to his mission eventually led to his martyrdom. In the city of Patras, Greece, he faced persecution for his faith. Like his brother, Peter, he too suffered the torture of crucifixion. However, like his brother Peter, he asked to be nailed to a cross different from the Cross of Jesus. Tradition tells us that he was crucified on an X-shaped cross, now known as the St. Andrew’s Cross, as he deemed himself unworthy to die on the same type of cross as Jesus.

This is what the Apostle is claimed to have said on that occasion, according to an ancient story (which dates back to the beginning of the sixth century), entitled The Passion of Andrew: 

Hail, O Cross, inaugurated by the Body of Christ and adorned with his limbs as though they were precious pearls. Before the Lord mounted you, you inspired an earthly fear. Now, instead, endowed with heavenly love, you are accepted as a gift.

Believers know of the great joy that you possess, and of the multitude of gifts you have prepared. I come to you, therefore, confident and joyful, so that you too may receive me exultant as a disciple of the One who was hung upon you…. O blessed Cross, clothed in the majesty and beauty of the Lord’s limbs!… Take me, carry me far from men, and restore me to my Teacher, so that, through you, the one who redeemed me by you, may receive me. Hail, O Cross; yes, hail indeed!”

– The Passion of Andrew

Even in his final moments, St. Andrew displayed immense courage and unwavering faith, preaching the gospel until his last breath. His martyrdom solidified his legacy as a true disciple of Christ, inspiring countless believers throughout history.

Today, St. Andrew is revered as the patron saint of Scotland, Russia, and Greece, among others. His influence extends beyond geographical boundaries, as his teachings continue to inspire and guide Christians worldwide. The St. Andrew’s Cross remains a symbol of his sacrifice and serves as a reminder of his unwavering dedication to spreading the message of Christ.

Lessons from St. Andrew’s Life:

St. Andrew’s life offers valuable lessons for us all. His immediate response to Jesus’ call teaches us the importance of being open to new opportunities and following our calling, even when it may seem unconventional or uncertain. St. Andrew’s willingness to leave his familiar life as a fisherman behind demonstrates the power of stepping out of our comfort zones to embrace a higher purpose.

Furthermore, St. Andrew’s missionary work exemplifies the importance of spreading love, compassion, and faith in our own lives. We can draw inspiration from his dedication to helping others and his unwavering commitment to the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Lastly, through his martyrdom, St. Andrew teaches us that our own crosses acquire value if we consider them and accept them as a part of the Cross of Christ, if a reflection of His light illuminates them. It is by that Cross alone that our sufferings too are ennobled and acquire their true meaning.

Conclusion:

As we conclude our exploration of the life and missionary work of St. Andrew the Apostle, we are left with a profound sense of admiration for his unwavering faith and dedication to his mission. His journey serves as a reminder that each one of us has the potential to make a difference in the world, no matter our background or circumstances.

Let us take inspiration from St. Andrew’s life, embracing our own unique callings and spreading love and compassion to those around us. May we strive to live a life of faith, just as St. Andrew did, leaving a lasting impact on the world through our actions and our unwavering commitment to the teachings of Jesus Christ.