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Paul sets out a clear sequence for the spread of the Gospel: sending, preaching, hearing, believing, praying. However, we know from St John's Gospel that, even without being sent formally by Jesus, Andrew went to proclaim the Good News to his brother Simon: "we have found the Messiah". The same thing occurred with Philip: he went to bring the Good News to his friend Nathanael. Reading between the lines, we may conclude that John did the same for his brother James.
However, for today's celebration the Church has chosen the more formal vocation story, where Jesus directly calls two sets of brothers to follow him. As in all things connected with our religion, the grace of vocation is a multifaceted one. Every Christian vocation occurs within the Church, as Jesus directly called and sent His disciples to preach the Kingdom. On the other hand, individual Christians need not wait for any formal call or appointment in order to spread the Good News. We can all find many opportunities to be Andrew and Philip: we can be so touched by the grace of God and so convinced of our faith that we will spontaneously share that faith with others.
Father in heaven, may we always be inspired by the example of St. Andrew and spontaneously share the Good News with our brothers and sisters.
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DAILY OFFERING
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Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.
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PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
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INTENTION
That Christian men and women, aware of the vocation which is theirs in the Church, may answer generously to God's call to seek holiness in the midst of their lives.
Elaboration
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