Today, the Church celebrates the liturgical memorial of Saint Andrew, the apostle. Today's gospel passage tells us that Saint Andrew was the brother of Saint Peter (cf Mt 4:18). While he was walking on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus saw them casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. It was the practice at the time that Teachers (who were known as Rabbis) would choose their own disciples. Jesus saw these two fishermen - not only with human eyes, but also with the eyes of his heart - and called them to follow after him: Come, follow me and I will make you fishers of men (Mt 4:19).
Many centuries after this meeting, Jesus still sees our hearts. He knows what we are capable of and calls us to follow him. Some of us, he inspires to become teachers in schools, others he calls to be examples of faith in their own workplaces, and he still calls some of us to serve the community as priests, religious men and women and as consecrated virgins.
Neither Saint Andrew nor his brother could have known what Jesus would ask of them. All they heard that day was an invitation: Follow me ... Have we heard these words spoken to us? Have we resisted the impulse to answer? Are we still curious about what Jesus might want of us? Have we witnessed others who have heard this call? Pray today for the courage to answer, to follow, to encourage others to do the same and to trust that Jesus will lead us to the places and situations where he needs us to be.
Have a great day.
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