Romans 10:9-18, Psalm 19:8-11, Matthew 4:18-22

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

Come after me, says the Lord,

And I will make you fishers of men. Mt. 4:19

FEAST OF ST. ANDREW - APOSTLE

Romans 10:9-18, Psalm 19:8-11, Matthew 4:18-22

Romans 10:9-18

My soul's beloved, each of the Apostles fulfilled the will of the Father perfectly for they were formed by You, taught by You, encouraged by You, sent by You. They were faithful witnesses and they were persecuted because they were faithful almost all lay down their live for Your sake and for the sake of the Gospel. They handed down the faith in all its purity and authenticity as they laid hands on those who came after them and anointed them to build on the sure foundation of Your Word and all You taught and enjoined them to do.

We are called to imitate them for by virtue of our baptism we too are anointed and sent out to live the Gospel by the witness of our daily lives wherever we are beginning in our homes. We live out the faith and by our example we ignite the light of faith in our children and every life we touch each day, so they in turn will go out and shed Your Light in the world.

St. Paul reminds us through each of these verses that this is why we are born, how we are saved, the reward that waits for those who have lived out the mission of discipleship.

For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

How beautiful are the feet of those who bring the good news!

Their voice has gone forth to all the earth,

and their words to the ends of the world.

Psalm 19:8-11

My soul's beloved, this is my prayer that You may grant me the desire and the will to do all that You have created me to do and all that You have created me to be.

The law of the LORD is perfect,

refreshing the soul;

The decree of the LORD is trustworthy,

giving wisdom to the simple.

The precepts of the LORD are right,

rejoicing the heart;

The command of the LORD is clear,

enlightening the eye.

The fear of the LORD is pure,

enduring forever;

The ordinances of the LORD are true,

all of them just.

They are more precious than gold,

than a heap of purest gold;

Sweeter also than syrup

or honey from the comb.

Matthew 4:18-22

My soul's beloved, every moment of every day You visit us and You call us. If we fail to hear You do not give up on us but continue to invite us until we do. Once we have heard the invitation it is  up to us to choose how to respond to it. If, the the Apostles Andrew, Peter, James and John we leave our present life and old familiar, and perhaps sinful ways behind and begin to lead a live that is guided by Your Holy Spirit, by Your Word and Your Church, then we can be certain that our reward will be great in heaven and on earth we will taste true joy and peace despite all the challenges that living a Christian life may entail.