Meditation for Tuesday of the First Week of Advent
(Rm
10:9-18; Mt 4:18-22)
Today we celebrate St Andrew the Apostle, brother of St
Peter. He was going through the normal daily struggle for survival until Jesus
stepped in. Since then, fishery is still not one of the top most courses of
study in our institutions, and fishing is still a simple man’s occupation! But
Jesus’ call of the fishermen of Galilee has made fishing a symbol of the
gathering of the people of God through the Gospel.
“As Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers,
Simon who is called Peter and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea;
for they were fishermen.” There is dynamics in this encounter that is very
relevant for our Advent Season. As Jesus came down to the sea side, He
anticipated a favorable response from Andrew and his companions. This ‘coming
down’ to meet the ones He has chosen is in line with His Christmas decent at
Bethlehem, and His coming again at the end of time. Jesus’ ‘Advent’, His longing
and waiting for a favorable response from those He comes to and communes with,
gives rise to our own Advent! Andrew answered because Jesus called; he followed
because Jesus came down to him and showed the way.
In this Advent, we long for Him who longs for us; His
presence now deepens our yearning for His coming again in glory! Andrew and his
companions were able to abandon their nets because Jesus abandoned His high
level to be with them. The mystery of Christ’s Advent inspires us, and adorns
this solemn season with glory and power. In our meditation, we look up to
Jesus; He inspires our hope, and leads us along the way to become fishers of
men. Our celebration today testifies that Jesus awaits our favorable response. Amen.
St Andrew the Apostle, pray for us.
Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Tuesday November 30th, 2021.
