- St. Andrew (63). Apostle, Martyr, Patron or Patroness. Patron of fishermen, Russia, & Scotland. (Current, Traditional)
- St. Maura (324). Martyr, Virgin. (Historical)
ST. ANDREW was one of the fishermen of Bethsaida, and brother, perhaps elder brother, of St. Peter, and became a disciple of St. John Baptist. He seemed always eager to bring others into notice; when called himself by Christ on the banks of the Jordan, his first thought was to go in search of his brother, and he said, “We have found the Messias,” and he brought him to Jesus. It was he again who, when Christ wished to feed the five-thousand in the desert, pointed wut the little lad with the five loaves and fishes. St. Andrew went forth upon his mission to plant the faith in Scythia and Greece, and at the end of years of toil to win a martyr’s crown. After suffering a cruel scourging at Patre in Achaia, he was left, bound by cords, to die upon a cross. When St. Andrew first caught sight of the gibbet on which he was to die, he greeted the precious wood with joy. “O, good cross!” he cried, “made beautiful by the limbs of Christ, so long desired, now so happily found! Receive me into thy arms, and present me to my Master, that He who redeemed me through thee may now accept me from thee.” Two whole days the martyr remained hanging on this cross alive, preaching, with outstretched arms from this chair of truth, to all who came near, and entreating them not to hinder his passion.
REFLECTION: If we would do good to others, we must, like St. Andrew, keep close to the Cross.
WORD OF THE DAY
RENOUNCING SATAN. Profession of allegiance to Christ and renunciation of the devil as the enemy of Christ, made at baptism by the person being baptized or by the sponsor. It implies the resolution to resist the devil’s attempts to seduce the followers of Christ, to live in humility (contrary to Satan’s pride), in obedience (contrary to Satan’s disobedience), and in holiness (contrary to Satan’s total estrangement from God).
Modern Catholic Dictionary, Fr. John Hardon SJ (Get the real one at Eternal Life — don’t accept an abridged or edited version of this masterpiece!)
Advent & The Great Truths
Advent: Short Meditations and The Great Truths Day 4 (Nov 30) The Long Darkness.
