Saturday, November 30, 2013. 

Today's Liturgical Reading by Daily Flash, Goa. 

Feast of St. Andrew. 

Romans 10:9-18; Psalm 18[19]:2-5; Gospel : Mathew 4:18-22. [Please share today's Gospel with family, friends/neighbors.]

Focus:  'The same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on Him' (Romans 10:12)

It is easy to be confused by many things we see or hear.  Should we believe it or not?  If we believe, whom should we believe?  The first reading says, "Faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ" (Romans 10:17).  Therefore, the easy way to know what to believe and what not to, is to ask, "Is it true to the word of God?"  We should not choose to believe anything that is against Christ or that separates us from him.

God gives us faith to believe, without checking our caste or religion.  He does not distinguish by color or beauty.  He is the only one who is 'generous to all' without discrimination (Focus).    St. Andrew, a simple fisherman, was one of the apostles more closely attached to Jesus.  He was present on many important occasions during Jesus' ministry.  he confessed with his lips and believed in his heart 'that Jesus is Lord' (Romans 10:9).      

Andrew suffered willingly to preach the gospel and was martyred by crucifixion in the city of Patras, Greece.  Like Andrew, can we say Yes to the Lord?  Can we work to bring the Good News to others?  "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"  (Romans 10:15)

Fruit:  The Lord can strengthen my faith and help me build the faith of those around me.

[A new Liturgical Year begins tomorrow]