St. Andrew is the first Apostle mentioned in John's Gospel (Jn 1:40). This may be because he was also the first evangelist. He brought others to Jesus, including Simon Peter, his brother, the Rock on which Jesus founded the Church, and the preacher of the first Pentecost. Andrew also brought to Jesus the boy with the five barley loaves and the two fish (Jn 6:8-9). This set the stage for one of Jesus' greatest miracles, the multiplication of the loaves and fish. Andrew was asked by Philip to bring some Greeks to see Jesus (Jn 12:21-22). Philip may have been acknowledging Andrew's reputation as someone exceptionally gifted in bringing people to Jesus.
Nonetheless, Andrew, who was from Bethsaida (Jn 1:44), did not bring many from his hometown to Jesus. Jesus criticized the people of Bethsaida for not repenting in response to the many miracles He had done in their midst (Lk 10:13).
In summary, Andrew was successful in bringing people to Jesus. Andrew is still bringing people to Jesus. He'll bring you to Jesus today. Will you be another success story for Andrew?
| PRAYER: | Father, as we begin this Advent, may I begin the most fruitful time of evangelization in my life. |
| PROMISE: | "If you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." –Rm 10:9 |
| PRAISE: | St. Andrew was used by God to bring a future pope to Jesus. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College