Advent 1 (St. Andrew)

Today's readings were Ezekiel 3:16-21, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, and John 1:35-42a (sermon text).

The best thing that ever happened to St. Peter was the event of Andrew, his brother, telling him about Christ. Andrew was a disciple of John (in fulfillment of Isaiah 40 and Malachi 3 and 4); John's purpose was to open the way for Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God.

John's Gospel parallels Creation Week (in John, this ends at 2:1) to emphasize the fact of the new creation. John's disciples left him for Jesus because John had named Him the Lamb of God. This is our mission too: tell others about this Lamb, not just keep Him in your heart. All Jews were, since Abraham, anticipating the Messiah, especially at each Passover. Even though we don't pass on anticipations like this, we should still share the Messiah.

They had a different idea of what the Messiah should be, but at least Peter and Andrew had set their sights on the correct one. Christ enters our hearts likewise in the Sacraments and Word; then we pass Him on to others. Share the message of reconciliation that takes the place of judgment. The Gospel is a positive message, not just avoidance of hell (negation of negative). Therefore we look forward to being with our Abba - Daddy - forever. No matter how long it takes, Christ will come, fulfilling His Word. And we'll see Him face to face.

Spread the Gospel, telling of the Center of our lives, by word of mouth. We use our mouths to tell about other things - why not our most precious treasure, our Lord Jesus Christ? We have a sure eternity; spread it!

Happy New Year!