Homily of the Saturday of the 34th week in ordinary time
Feast of St. Andrew, Apostle
Romans 10:9-18, Matthew 4:18-22
Being a soldier never ceases to amaze me whenever I think about it. While most people naturally flee from fights, riots, wars, and other life-threatening dangers, soldiers, terrorists, jihadists, and suicide bombers willingly face these perils for reasons that remain elusive to me.
Similarly, Andrew, a Greek, was driven by a deep conviction to follow Jesus, a Jew, even unto death. He was crucified in a foreign land (Scotland) while on a mission to preach Christ. What incredible courage!
In the iconic love story Titanic, Rose defied warnings to avoid Jack because of their different social classes. Despite the ship sinking, Rose chose to stay and risk her life for love, rather than abandon Jack.
Today, many still make unimaginable sacrifices for causes others deem foolish. If you were called to choose, what would your choice be? Andrew followed Jesus with unwavering faith, and now enjoys eternal life in heaven.
May God grant us the wisdom and grace to dedicate ourselves to causes that truly matter and to endure sacrifices for Christ, our Lord. Amen.
