call forwarding
Jesus "watched two brothers, Simon now known as Peter, and his brother Andrew." —Matthew 4:18
Jesus was watching Peter and Andrew "as He was walking along" (Mt 4:18). It's natural to conclude that Jesus was watching them so that He could call them to their apostolic vocation, for that's precisely what He did when He finished watching them (Mt 4:19). Matthew underscores Jesus' mindset by relating how He then watched two other brothers, James and John, and proceeded to call them as well (Mt 4:21-22).
We are to imitate Jesus. As the Advent readings proclaim, we are to "keep a watchful eye" (Mt 24:43). Like Jesus, we are to "look around among [our] own number" for men and women "acknowledged to be deeply spiritual and prudent" (Acts 6:3). Some of these folks are just waiting to be called and don't know it. Perhaps even our own brother or sister is another Andrew, needing only to be called forth to give their lives to the Lord in service.
"How can men preach unless they are sent?" (Rm 10:15) And how can they be sent if they have not yet been called? And how can they be called if no one is watching them to see if they are call-able? Has anyone become a priest, religious sister or brother, or lay single because you called them to? This Advent, "be constantly on the watch" (Mk 13:33). Then make the call.
Prayer: Father, open my eyes, ears, and lips. May I bring people to Jesus as St. Andrew did.
Promise: "If you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." —Rm 10:9
Praise: St. Andrew brought to Jesus both Jews (Jn 1:42) and Gentiles (Jn 12:22), foreshadowing the mission of the Church to all nations (Mt 28:19).
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, March 30, 2004
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 1, 2004