Feast of St Andrew, Apostle : Thursday 30th November 2023

Paul was always living in expectation of the imminent return of Jesus and the final judgment. He was concerned that everyone on earth must hear the good news of Jesus. Anyone calling on the name of the Lord on that momentous day would be saved. Preaching the Word to the entire world is a lot easier today with modern technology – just think what Paul could have done with social media and the internet!

But there is more to it than that: there are many ways to call upon the Lord, and we dare not judge the conscience or heart of another.

The voice of anyone calling on God in sincerity and purity of heart will be heard, regardless of the label they might bear. Jesus called the first disciples, and they just dropped everything and followed Him. There was little concern for jobs, families, etc. – they heard and responded. To the fishermen, Jesus promised they would be fishing for people – souls – and haul in large catches.

We need not leave our lives behind to be fishers of people. Each day, we are given opportunities to raise the hearts of people by word, thought, and deed. When we reveal the compassion and mercy of God in our dealings with others, we have won a soul for God.

Lord, help me to be zealous for the good of souls.