Commentary on the Gospel of
In calling Andrew to be a disciple, Jesus reveals the mind of God in inviting people for His mission. An ordinary individual like Andrew from an ordinary context of life was called. God has an extraordinary task in mind to entrust to him which he will carry out only with God’s help. A chosen person, thus, throughout his life will manifest God’s power unfolding in a wonderful way.
As one Greek Father comments: ‘The Lord chose them not because of what they are but because of what they can become; he does not choose their works but their hearts.’ Andrew along with his brother left everything and followed Jesus. Later in life Andrew proclaimed the Gospel faithfully and courageously died on a cross as a martyr. It was God’s power that was at work in his ordinary life in order to accomplish great things.
Our hearts are also chosen because the Lord knows what they can achieve for the Lord. St. Andrew inspires our availability and commitment to the Lord and to trustingly go wherever he leads us.
