As a Scotsman writing this Vocations Blog on the week that we celebrate Saint Andrew’s day, I couldn’t resist but make the Patron of Scotland and Apostle of Christ the focus.
Andrew’s call from Jesus came as he was fishing by the Sea of Galilee with his brother Peter, the Gospel of Matthew tells us that “At once they left their nets and followed him”. They done so to the Lords invitation of “come after me, and I will make you fishers of men”.
Not many of us here at Seminary or figures in the Scriptures took up the call as readily as Peter and Andrew. The two brothers must have had a feeling of apprehension when they left their boats and left all behind to follow Jesus. The feeling of inadequacy fills each of us who have a call and that feeling of inadequacy prevents us from saying a “Yes” straight away. Moses, Jonah, Abraham, Gideon, Esther and Mary all must have had a feeling of fear at the task they were being asked to carry out. But it’s true to say that the Lord will never ask us to do something that we cannot do, we just need to take the first step and he will do the rest.
So as we embark upon Advent 2011 we pray that we will indeed “wake up” and “prepare the way for the Lord” in our own lives, and let God work with us, in us and through us as did Peter and Andrew.
Felix Dies Sancti Andreae!
Sean Wyllie
Diocese of Motherwell
First Year Seminarian
Excellent Blog Sean!
Well said sean