Word to the Wise
Friday, November 30, 2012 - Nov. 30 - St. Andrew, Apostle
[Rom 10:9-18 and Matt 4:18-22]But how can they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach? And how can people preach unless they are sent? [Romans]
Jesus had more than twelve disciples, but he only chose twelve disciples to be "apostles." [I know! St. Paul laid claim to the title, too, and St. Barnabas is often called an "apostle" as well.] The Gospel of Luke tells us that Jesus gave these twelve the title of "apostle." It comes from a Greek word that means "to send." Well, Andrew seems to have gotten around since tradition associates him with both Scotland and Greece! In that respect, it could be said he was truly "sent." The stories in the gospels about how he met Jesus do differ. John says that Andrew was a disciple of John the Baptist and met Jesus through that assocation. The "synoptic" gospels have him meeting Jesus on the seashore while fishing with Peter. I'll leave it to the scripture scholars to work on that!
We profess our faith on Sundays in the words of the Nicene or Apostles' Creed. Both include the term "apostolic" as one of the important characteristics of the church from its very beginning. We refer to the bishops of our church as "successors to the apostles." This historical continuity is very important, but I think there would be no church if those apostles failed to preach and to send others to preach as well! Christian faith doesn't just "happen." St, Paul, in the first scripture for today from Romans, tells us that people have to be "sent" and they must preach so that others can hear! We stand on the shoulders of the apostles, but we can't just stand there! It can be a risky thing sometimes. Andrew is said to have died on an X-shaped cross! The "Good News" was worth his life to him. Can we say that? AMEN