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, and the brother of Simon Peter. Unfortunately the bible does not enlighten us as to which was the eldest. Though different accounts are given in the bible as to how Andrew first  encountered Jesus  St. John tells us that 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.  The prayer is said 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.  The novena finishes on Christmas Eve.

                                             “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.


St. Andrew's Fish Pie
Serves 6

• 1kg peeled and halved sweet potatoes
• knob of butter
  
  

  
  

  
  
  

  
• splash of milk
  
  

  
  

  
  
  

  
• 25g butter
  
  

  
  

  
  
  

  
• 25g flour
  
  

  
  

  
  
  

  
• 4 spring onions
  
  

  
  

  
  
  

  
  , finely sliced
• 400ml milk
  
  

  
  

  
  
  

  
• 2 x pack fish pie mix (cod, salmon, smoked haddock etc, weight around 320g-400g depending on pack size) 
• 1x bag of frozen prawns
• 1 tsp Dijon or English mustard
• ½ a 25g pack or a small bunch chives, finely snipped
• 2x handful frozen sweetcorn
• 2x handful frozen peas
• handful grated cheddar

1. Preheat the oven to 200C/180 fan/gas mark 6.
2. Put the potatoes in a saucepan of boiling water. Bring to the boil and then simmer until tender. When cooked drain thoroughly and mash with a splash of milk and some butter. Season with ground black pepper.
3. Put the butter, flour and spring onions in another pan and heat gently until the butter has melted, stirring regularly. Cook for 1 -2 mins. Gradually whisk in the milk using a balloon whisk if you have one. Bring to the boil, stirring to avoid any lumps and sticking at the bottom of the pan. Cook for 3 – 4 minutes until thickened.
4. Take off the heat and stir in the cheese (if using), fish, mustard, chives, sweetcorn and peas. Spoon into an ovenproof dish.
5. Spoon the potato on top and sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
6. Pop in the oven for 20 - 25 mins or until golden and bubbling at the edges.