💖 HOMILY - NOVEMBER 30 💖

FEAST OF ST. ANDREW, APOSTLE 

First Reading - Romans 10:9-18

Gospel - Matthew 4:18-22

Life often takes unexpected turns, bringing surprises that can either delight or shock us. In times of uncertainty and fear, what sustains us is faith. Today’s readings call us to deepen our faith, live it actively, and stay rooted in Christ, the source and foundation of our faith.

The first reading reveals the origin and nature of faith. It reminds us that faith is rooted in Christ, who is both its foundation and its source. Faith comes through hearing the Word of Christ, and this Word is brought to us by those called to be His messengers. These envoys, chosen and sent by Christ, transmit faith not only through their preaching but also by embodying the Word in their lives. Faith, therefore, is not a private possession; it must be expressed and shared. As St. Paul says, "If you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." Faith that is not lived out becomes stagnant, but faith in action leads to salvation and inspires hope.

The Gospel recounts the calling of Peter and Andrew. Jesus invites them to leave their livelihood and follow Him, promising to make them “fishers of men.” Their immediate response—leaving their nets to follow Christ—is a profound act of faith. They not only embraced faith in Christ but also nurtured it through their closeness to Him. Eventually, they shared this faith with others, becoming instruments of God’s mission. Their example teaches us that faith is both a gift and a task. It is given to us, but it also demands a response—a commitment to live it out and share it with others.

Dear friends, at our baptism, we received the gift of faith, a seed planted in our hearts. This gift is nurtured through the sacraments, guided by the Word of God, and sustained by our daily walk with Christ. Like Peter and Andrew, we are called to put our faith into action, confessing it with our words and demonstrating it through our lives. Faith without action is lifeless, but faith expressed in love, service, and evangelization brings the vision and mission of Christ to life in our world.

As we reflect on these readings, let us ask ourselves: Are we nurturing the faith we have received? Are we confessing our faith boldly and living it authentically? Let us commit to deepening our relationship with Christ, staying rooted in His Word, and becoming His witnesses in our daily lives. May our faith not only sustain us in challenging times but also inspire us to bring hope and light to others.

Let the vision and mission of Christ burn brightly in our hearts, guiding us to live as faithful disciples and instruments of His love and grace.