Would you be an Andrew for Jesus? by Fr. Nelson Lobo OFM Cap

 

WONDERING GURU

1 Sam 3: 3-10,19; 1Cor 6:13-15, 17-20; John 1:35-42

Fr. Nelson Lobo OFM Cap

 

Intro-The story of Edward Kimball. Many of us have never heard of Edward Kimball, a Sunday school teacher. He won a young fellow to the Lord, he was a Boston shoe salesman, and got that shoe salesman so on fire that he became the well-known evangelist Dwight L. Moody.

Understanding Andrew as the Seeker of Truth- In John 1:35-42 we are first introduced to Andrew. Andrew was a disciple of John the Baptist. Andrew was baptized of John. He was a seeker after the truth. He found the truth in John the Baptist and followed him. John would always mention that he was not the Messiah but someone else. When John the Baptist pointed out Jesus as the Lamb of God who would take away the sins of the world, Andrew knew that this man was the Messiah prophesied of Old. Andrew, unlike a number of the disciples of John the Baptist, followed Christ and forsook John. If the truth be known this is what John the Baptist wanted. Men to follow Christ. Jesus accepted these two and let them dwell with him for a time. They saw him and talked with him and noticed what he did. Being the tenth hour, they probably spent the night with Jesus. After this, Andrew was convinced that Jesus was the Lamb of God. Andrew found joy and peace. He immediately began to tell others. Andrew was one of the first to recognize Jesus as the Promised One, and this will never be taken from him.  Andrew had found a great treasure and he wanted to share it with others. Andrew did not sit around after this and ask, “What am I to do?” He knew what he was to do, and that was to tell others and lead others to Jesus Christ.

Understanding his family ties- Andrew was totally convinced that Jesus was the Messiah. Andrew goes and the first one he tells is the one who he is closest to, his brother Simon. Andrew worked with Simon as a fisherman. Andrew probably was the younger of the two. Family is the most difficult place to witness, but the first place that Andrew went. Andrew used his influence on his family. Simon makes a decision based on Andrew. Simon must have had a lot of respect for Andrew. Simon probably was not as religious or such a zealous follower of the truth as his brother, and so Simon trusted his brother’s judgement.

Understanding his nature- (John 6:5-13) The disciples were filled with despair. Andrew looked beyond this and saw the possibilities. Andrew spoke with this little boy. Spent time with him. Andrew was concerned about the little people. Andrew was the best person to bring this boy. Andrew was humble. Different from many of the disciples. Andrew did not have outstanding gifts, like Peter or Judas or John and James. Many times Andrew was left behind. He used what he had, not much, but he used what he had. Andrew knew in his own life that little is much when God is in it.

Understanding his personality-(John 12:20-23) Andrew was approachable, kind, thoughtful, sincere, bent on bringing others to Christ. Andrew distinguished himself among the disciples for these things and so Philip trusted his judgement. The disciples came to him for help. Andrew may have been the counsellor, or the listener of the group. Because of this Philip brought the Greeks to him and both Philip and Andrew went to Jesus. Andrew did not do anything that outstanding or glorious. Andrew might have become frustrated with his brother and the others when they argued about who was the greatest. Andrew was not scared to have second place. As a matter of fact, he was comfortable with second place. He really didn’t care about such things. The Bible tells us that love does not envy, and this is definitely what Andrew did. He did not envy even his own brother. Andrew never wrote a book, he never spoke up or out of turn, as a matter of fact, he is mentioned very little. After Acts 1, he is never mentioned again. Tradition says that Andrew went into Asia Minor, or Turkey and ministered there in remote areas, until he died on a cross. He hung on that cross for two days, and all the while he was preaching, trying to bring more people to Jesus.

Conclusion

·       Andrew was a disciple of John the Baptist. He was a seeker after the truth. What about us? Do we seek Jesus?

·       Andrew was totally convinced that Jesus was the Messiah. Are we totally convinced?

·       Andrew was bent on bringing others to Christ. Would we do what Andrew did for Christ?

·       He was comfortable with second place. What about us?

·       He hung on that cross for two days, and all the while he was preaching. What about us? when we suffer do we preach Christ?

2     👉 2nd Sunday in ordinary time-Year B