Saturday – Feast of St. Andrew

Gospel – Mark 1:14-20

Who?  Me?

Boat Chapel, Magdala

 

 

It’s a familiar story.  Jesus has just been baptized by His cousin John.  His ministry is just getting started.  And as He is walking along the Sea of Galilee, He calls Peter and Andrew, James and John to follow Him.  And they do!  They said yes!  Immediately!  And they leave everything behind – friends, family, work - everything! 

At this point, I’m supposed to say – what about us?  Have we said YES to Jesus?  Are we willing and able to follow Jesus?  I am sure we have all heard that homily before, many times.  So let’s try something different and look at the story from Jesus’ perspective.

Instead of asking whether we can answer His call, ask ourselves what leads Jesus to invite these men on the mission in the first place?  Why does Jesus pick these poor uneducated fishermen?  What the heck does He see in them that they probably don’t see in themselves?

And if Jesus saw potential, faith, courage, possibilities in men like Peter or Andrew, then what about us?  Haven’t we all been called?  Hasn’t God chosen each of us by the nature of our Baptism to follow Him?  And our response?  Who?  Me?  I’m nobody, nothing special!  What is it that Jesus sees in us that He invites us on the journey? 

We commemorate today the Feast of St. Andrew the Apostle, brother of Peter, patron saint of fishermen and singers, of Scotland and Russia.  He was martyred on an X-shaped cross known today at St. Andrew’s cross. Andrew was a simple fisherman living in Capernaum; he was living a settled life with a family and occupation.  And yet, at Jesus’ words, he dropped everything – EVERYTHING – and followed Him.  He answered the call, certainly not having a clue where it would all lead!

Now that is something worth pondering!  So take some time today, step away from your boat and your nets and look deep inside.  Appreciate that God sees so much more than we see in ourselves!