Monday 30 November
Matthew 4:18-22 • St Andrew, Patron Saint of Scotland
In Jesus’ day disciples normally sought out a teacher they wished to follow, but the Lord went in search of his own disciples. We do not know why Jesus chose Peter, Andrew, James or John but we are glad that he did!
Today we celebrate the feast of St Andrew, patron saint of Scotland. St John Chrysostom said of St Andrew that he was ‘a soul waiting with the utmost longing for the coming of the Messiah, looking forward to his appearing from heaven, rejoicing when he does appear’. Tradition has it that after Pentecost St Andrew preached the gospel in many places before being martyred by crucifixion, just as his Master had been before him.
St Andrew had been transformed by Christ; his encounter with Jesus of Nazareth changed his life forever. Instead of catching fish he became a fisher of men – an apostle, evangelist and one of the pillars of the early Church. He laid down his life for Christ and the Church because he had seen Jesus lay down his life on the cross. St Andrew’s life gives witness to the principle that when Christ calls us he invites us to come and die with him, for it is by dying that we rise to eternal life.
The cross was the destiny of many of these early pioneers of the gospel. They understood that they were baptized into Jesus’ death and resurrection and that Christ had called them to literally lay down their lives. An early monastic office reading records St Andrew saying as he was on his way to be martyred: ‘O precious cross, which the members of my Lord have made so honourable, how long have I desired you! How fervently I have loved you! How constantly I have sought you. And now that you have come to me, how my soul is attracted to you. Take me from here and unite me to my Master, that as by you he redeemed me, so by you also may he take me to himself.’
Tradition has it that once fastened to the cross he remained there for two days but continued to preach the gospel and proclaim Christ. Finally he entered into the presence of the One whose death he had loved and imitated so well.
‘Heavenly Father, we call upon the intercession of your servant St Andrew, who loved not the world but your cross and your kingdom, for which he died.’
(In Scotland only: Wisdom 3:1-9 • Ps 30(31) • Rom 10:9-18 • Mt 4:18-22)
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