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In each of the New Testament lists of the Apostles' names, the first four Apostles are Simon Peter, Andrew, James and John, though not always in this order. Peter's name is always first, of course. According to the Gospel of John, however, Andrew followed Jesus first and then his brother Peter. This is a consoling story: even Simon, chosen to be Peter, was brought to Jesus by someone else. In this, Andrew is a model for us; we should always be ready to share with others the excitement of having found the Messiah. If we put all the stories of the calling of the Apostles together, there seem to have been several different ways in which they arrived at their vocation. Andrew and the others may have come to a certain awareness and knowledge of Jesus, for example through the preaching of John the Baptist: "Behold the Lamb of God." Then, when he wished to start his mission of preaching the Gospel, Jesus called these men to move beyond this initial acquaintance. He called them to leave everything and follow Him. After the resurrection their mission was further clarified. Finally, for most of the Apostles, that mission ended in a martyr's death. Lord Jesus, may our hearts always be apostolic. May we always be true to our Christian vocation. |
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P R A Y I N G W I T H T H E C H U R C H
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That politicians and economists may feel it their duty to attend to the welfare of all people, giving first place to the most poverty-stricken
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This prophetic year 2000 projecting into the 3rd millennium is faced with people suffering from hunger, under-development, lack of work, abandoned old people, the sick without care and those suffering from the scourge of drugs. In front of these facts we are called to review our conduct, choices, commitment in the light of the causes which have determined them. Every Christian who is a member of a state and an economic system must take on himself specific responsibilities to overcome these negative elements which greatly disturb the harmonious development of persons and peoples and are at the root of poverty and of its increase. We cannot place ourselves in a situation of passive waiting for other people's conversion. Our personal conversion is the starting point for hope for the necessary changes of direction. It is our hearts we must change. Conversion is a grace given to those who ask the Saviour for it. We turn to the Lord, with insistent prayer, and ask that we may influence the "politicians and economists to feel it their duty to attend to the welfare of all people and especially the most poverty-stricken". | |
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