The gospel passage for today's Mass begins by informing the reader that Jesus heard that John had been arrested. Perhaps because he was afraid for his own future, he withdrew to Galilee (Mt 4:12). In fact, it was from that place of seclusion that he began to preach and say: 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand' (Mt 4:17).
Many words of wisdom have been uttered from places of seclusion and from the lips of those who appear to be the most unassuming people, including a simple man who lived in Montreal, Quebec in the latter part of the 19th century and the early part of the 20th. Saint André Bessette simply welcomed guests who came to visit. With an intense devotion to Saint Joseph, he continually strove to point out that the holy man who stood in the shadows, who was often forgotten in favour of his holy son and his beloved wife, should be remembered at all times.
Today, the Church remembers and prays with Saint André. We are thankful for his devotion and his insistence on pointing out the presence of yet another example of faith who withdrew from the limelight, yet continues to intercede for us. May Saint André too continue to pray for all of us, and help us to seek out those who - even in our day - continue to place others in the limelight, so that we might thank and celebrate them for their devotion and faith.
Have a great day.
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