On Nov. 30, Catholics worldwide celebrate the feast of St. Andrew, apostle and martyr. A fisherman from Bethsaida and brother of Simon Peter, St. Andrew is said to have spread Christianity in Russia and Asia minor after Pentecost in the first century. He was crucified by the Romans in Greece on an X-shaped cross, which is now his distinctive symbol as well as the symbol of Scotland, of which he is the patron.

St. Andrew demonstrated his love for his brother as well as his apostolic zeal when, convinced that Jesus was the Messiah, he sought out St. Peter. “Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two who heard John and followed Jesus. He first found his own brother Simon and told him, ‘we have found the Messiah.’ Then he brought him to Jesus.” (Jn. 1:40-42)

Some of St. Andrew’s remains were brought to Scotland in the fourth century, though parts of his skeleton lie in the crypt of the cathedral in Amalfi, Italy, where they are removed twice a year and produce a clear, water like substance. The substance, called “manna,” is said to have miraculous attributes.

REFLECTION

… confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart… Romans 10:9

Discipleship in Jesus Christ is an embodied act, I’m learning. It’s not about appearances or lip service. It’s not about good feelings. Rather, our faith is a series of gestures. With our bodies, we bow in worship, we genuflect. With our mouths, we proclaim the Good News. Our ears hear God’s call to leave the unknown. Our feet follow Christ to the margins, where we open our eyes and see his face. We offer healing through our hands; we give food and comfort. And understandably, we grow tired. We feel broken by the suffering we encounter. When we pause to observe the sabbath and rest our bodies, we renew our hearts. By God’s grace, we continue to embody the love of God.