Advent, Week One
Just as Advent begins, we step off the Advent path to celebrate the Feast of St Andrew the apostle. We have to make a quick liturgical gear change.
Matthew’s account of the call of Andrew is short and offers us the minimum of details: ‘And they left their nets at once and followed him.’ We are left to imagine the scene. Had he heard the stories of Jesus’ teaching and miracles? Had he heard him speak in person? What was it that attracted him? How could he be sure? Did something just shift in Andrew’s heart?
It’s easy to envy Andrew’s certainty and willingness to make a very huge leap of faith. I’ve often wondered if his life as a fisherman actually prepared him to be able to step out into the unknown. Fishing is all about timing, reading the signs of the natural world and the energy to act on your intuitions. You need patience for the times of inactivity and a rush of adrenalin for the big catch.
As Advent unfolds we will hear the story of salvation and God’s promises to his people. Through every twist and turn the message is the same: put your full trust in God and his promises and new life is assured. Let’s pray that we have the patience to wait and the adrenalin when needed.