Feast of St Andrew.
35The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. 36When he saw Jesus walking by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” 37And when the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus.
38Jesus turned and saw them following. “What do you want?” He asked.
They said to Him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are You staying?”
39“Come and see,” He replied. So they went and saw where He was staying, and spent that day with Him. It was about the tenth hour.
40Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard John’s testimony and followed Jesus. 41He first found his brother Simon and told him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated as Christ).
42Andrew brought him to Jesus, who looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which is translated as Peter).
St Andrew is the Patron Saint of Mission. On finding the Messiah the first thing he did was to call his brother and say “ We have found the Messiah, and Simon comes to Christ and has his life changed. Simon receives a new identity a new name – meeting Christ changes his life completely. It is interesting that this piece of Scripture includes both eth Aramaic and the Greek Names for Jesus and for Peter, as if to say that John (the Author) is speaking to the Jews and the Gentiles. The other Disciple of John the Baptist referred to here is probably Philip. Philip of course brings Nathanael to Jesus. ( John 1:44).
In advent as we look to the work of St John the Baptist and St Andrew and St Nathanael, we are reminded that they are an example of the role that we must all play in calling others to Christ. As Anglicans, we believe that it is the duty of all Christians to: follow the example of Jesus in Daily life and speak about Jesus openly, as the Lord whom you know (Catechism 82 APB pg 434).
St Andrew and St Nathanael were disciples of John the Baptist, but they followed him in order to find the Messiah. All of our religion, our bible reading, our acts of worship, our acts of service, must bring us into deeper relationship with Jesus the Messiah. Like the Wise men we are given stars to follow, and our journey leads us to the feet of Jesus where we are to kneel and proclaim Him as King of Kings and Lord of Lord’s. Today may this Gospel reflection, may your prayers, may your interaction with others all lead you to say – “Behold the Lamb of God” and follow Jesus more intently and then share with the others the joy of knowing Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour.
Amen
Lord God, by your grace the apostle Saint Andrew obeyed the call of your Son Jesus Christand followed Him without delay: grant that we may offer ourselves to you in joyful obedience; through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN
Feast of St Andrew.
