The Feast Of St. Andrew

St. Andrew was a native of Bethsaida, a town in Galilee, upon the banks of lake Genesareth. he was the son of Jonas, or John, a fisherman. he was the brother of Simon Peter, Unfortunately the bible does not enlighten us as to which was the eldest. St. Andrew was a disciple of John the Baptist and he listened and learnt from St.John. It was by the shores of the lake that St. John revealed to them that Jesus was the “Christ”, “The Lamb of of God,” immediately Andrew and another disciple got up and followed Jesus desiring to get to know him. according to St. Austin they spent the last bit of that day and all the next night with Jesus, know doubt asking questions and finding out who he was. The next morning Andrew rushes to find his brother telling him to come “we have found the Messiah”.  It seems Andrew was like an excited school boy who had suddenly found some great treasure. After spending this time with Jesus  his  deepest  desire was to bring his closest friend, his brother to meet him. What a great grace that must have been. And, what of us are we not called to do the same. After we have encountered Christ should we not long to bring others to know the one true Lord. So often it is through our love and friendship that we are able to lead others to Christ. To accept God’s call to live as one of his most intimate friends is the greatest grace anyone can receive. And the day we make the decision to accept that call is one that can so often be sketched on our hearts forever.

Andrew accompanies Jesus throughout his public ministry. After the death of Jesus he sets out and travels to Scythia, Greece and Turkey. Here he eventually meets his martyrdom. Tradition recalls how St. Andrew died praising the cross of his crucifixion which was
in an X shape because it was going to take him to be with his Lord, Oh that we can face our own deaths with the same desire. 

On this feast day we can start to pray the St. Andrew Christmas novena.Now I know a novena is normally nine days but the term can sometimes be used for any prayer which is said over a number of days. We pray this prayer 15 times each day. It doesn't have to be said all at once but can be recited over the whole day. We don't actually make a request of st.Andrew in the prayer but petition God Himself asking him to grant our request in honour of his Sons birth. So here it is;

 “Hail and Blessed be the hour and moment in which the son of God was born the most pure virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in piercing cold. In that hour, vouchsafe, O my God! to hear my prayer and grant my desires, through the merits of Our saviour Jesus Christ, and of his Blessed Mother.Amen

Today is a good day to eat fish in honour of this fisherman who had the courage to get up and leave his nets behind to become “fishers of men.” Maybe a lovely warming fish pie! Don't forget to pray today for all fishermen and those who make their livelihoods by the sea. Especially for those fishermen who will be away from their families for Christmas.