Feast of Saint Andrew, Apostle
November 30, 2020
Today, in God’s Lavish Mercy, we pray with Psalm 19 which, according to the famous Baptist preacher Charles Spurgeon, is “the study of God’s two great books—nature and Scripture”.
The verses chosen for today’s Responsorial focus on the Law as we receive it in the words of Scripture.
The law of the LORD is perfect,
Psalm 19:8
refreshing the soul;
The decree of the LORD is trustworthy,
giving wisdom to the simple.
St. Andrew, whose feast we celebrate today, was a simple fisherman made wise by the Living Word of God. He received the Gospel as it was first uttered in the life and preaching of his dear friend Jesus.
The Calling of the Apostles Peter and Andrew, 1308-1311
Andrew decided to retell that precious Word in his own life and preaching.
He joyfully accepted the call to radical discipleship, allowing his inner vision to be enlightened by the Christ’s vision for the world.
The precepts of the LORD are right,
Psalm 19: 9
rejoicing the heart;
The command of the LORD is clear,
enlightening the eye.
Andrew’s whole life and death gave witness to his total investment in God’s Word. That apostolic commitment sweetened not only Andrew’s life, but the life of the whole faith community to whom he transmitted the Living Word… including us.
Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.
Psalm 19: 10;11
They are more precious than gold,
than a heap of purest gold;
Sweeter also than syrup
or honey from the comb.
Let’s pray this Psalm today
with a simplicity and faith like Andrew’s.
Prayer: from daily-prayers.org
O Glorious St. Andrew,
you were the first to recognize and follow the Son of God.
With your friend, St. John,
you remained with Jesus,
for your entire life,
and now throughout eternity.
Just as you led your brother, St Peter,
to Christ and many others after him,
draw us also to Him.
Teach us how to lead them,
solely out of love for Jesus
and dedication to His service.
Help us to learn the lesson of the Cross
and carry our daily crosses without complaint,
so that they may carry us to God the Almighty Father. Amen.
Music: from Bach – Die Himmel erzählen die Ehre Gottes, BWV 76
Chor
Die Himmel erzählen die Ehre Gottes,
und die Feste verkündiget seiner Hände Werk.
Es ist keine Sprache noch Rede,
da man nicht ihre Stimme höre.
(Psalm 19:2,4)
Chorus
The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the firmament shows His handiwork.
There is no speech or language,
since one does not hear their voices.
Lavish Mercy 