I have been neglecting our Saints lately. On the last day in November we celebrate St. Andrew, Apostle and martyr.
“St. Andrew was a native of Bethsaida in Galilee, a fisherman by trade, and a former disciple of John the Baptist. He was the one who introduced his brother Peter to Jesus, saying, “We have found the Messiah.” Overshadowed henceforth by his brother, Andrew nevertheless appears again in the Gospels as introducing souls to Christ. After Pentecost, Andrew took up the apostolate on a much wider scale, and is said to have been martyred at Patras in southern Greece on a cross which was in the form of an “X”. This type of cross has long been known as “St. Andrew’s cross.” Read more about St. Andrew here.
An excerpt from the Office of Readings by St. John Chrysostom
“After Andrew had stayed with Jesus and had learned much from him, he did not keep this treasure to himself, but hastened to share it with his brother. Notice what Andrew said to him: We have found the Messiah, that is to say, the Christ. Notice how his words reveal what he has learned in so short a time. They show the power of the master who has convinced them of this truth. They reveal the zeal and concern of men preoccupied with this question from the very beginning. Andrew’s words reveal 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, and hastening to announce so great an event to others. To support one another in the things of the spirit is the true sign of good will between brothers, of loving kinship and sincere affection.”
In honor of my Scottish daughter in law Aileen,and grandchildren Lucia and Rosey, I give you the patron Saint of Scotland.
Happy St. Andrew’s Day! You were probably married by a priest from the line of St. Peter. Well, I was married by a priest in the line of St. Andrew! I have a special fondness for him.
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