Today we celebrate the feast of St. Andrew the Apostle. St. Andrew, according to the gospel of John, was the first disciple called; upon hearing the voice of Jesus resonate in his hear he went to gather his brother Simon.
St. Andrew introduced Simon to Jesus and together they shared an intimacy that grew and developed into a life of service in faith, a life that would leave the ultimate testimony, death on a cross.
When you read the call narratives, the one thing that stands out about the encounter of the disciples and Jesus is how quickly the disciples responded. The gospels recall how "immediately" or "at once" the disciples leave everything and follow Jesus.
With out hesitation, Andrew and Simon and the others open their heart wide to Christ.
As we enter into the first full week of Advent, perhaps the catch phrase this first week is "immediate." As we prepare for the coming of Christ we should immediately respond to the promptings of the Holy Spirit in our life, we should immediately respond in charity in proclaiming the truth, we should immediately respond in service.
A good way to enter fully into the Advent season of waiting is by immediately living the faith we have received in Christ; no excuse, no delay, just prompt response in love to love offered.
The voice of Jesus calls us forth, do not delay.
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