The Feast of Saint Andrew | Thursday 30 November 2023

Today is Thursday 30 November, the feast of Saint Andrew, in the 34th week of Ordinary time.

The Community of Taizé sing Christe Lux Mundi: ‘O Christ, light of the world, whoever follows you will have the light of life.’

Christe, lux mundi,
qui sequitur te,
habebit lumen vitae,
lumen vitae




Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew.

Matthew 4:18-22

As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the lake—for they were fishermen. And he said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.’ Immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him.

We've heard throughout this week of reflections about the cost of being a disciple of Jesus. Perhaps little did the disciples know at the point of their calling how hard it was going to be to follow Him.

Their reaction to follow Jesus when he calls them is immediate. They drop everything. What kind of a man was this Jesus to encourage such a rapid response?

We heard of others whom Jesus called who put up all kinds of - very good - excuses to delay following Him. Perhaps they knew only too well how much it would cost. Is my response spontaneous or measured? Totally trusting or always hesitant? Perhaps I can cope with a degree of challenge, perhaps my faith can stretch a little, but not a lot.

How do I feel about Jesus calling me to a life of challenge? Is it unacceptable to say “this is too hard”?

As I hear the passage again, I place myself in the scene. I join the disciples on the shore. I watch Jesus approach. How does he seem? I notice my reaction.

Talk to the Lord, as he approaches you, about whatever is on your heart. Let Him know if following him is tough. Let him listen. Let him respond.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.