The Example of Andrew

The Apostle Andrew "was a man who was searching, who shared Israel's hope, who wanted to know better the word of the Lord, the presence of the Lord," remarked Pope Benedict XVI in his general audience today.

A great multitude of people today is searching for the answers to the meaning and purpose of life; they search, too, for fulfillment, peace, and happiness, but never do they truly look to Jesus. May the holy Apostle intercede for them and - even as he did for his brother, Simon Peter - show them Christ Jesus, the only satisfaction to their deepest yearnings and desires.

As "the first apostle who received the call and followed Jesus" there is much that we can learn by examining the passages in the Sacred Scriptures within which we encounter this fisherman from Galilee.

On the one hand, says the Holy Father, "It is worthwhile to underline Andrew's realism," while on the other "we may deduce that we do not have to be afraid to ask Jesus questions, but at the same time, we must be ready to accept the teachings, also astonishing and difficult, which he offers us."

Why are we so very hesitant to ask Jesus the difficult and pressing questions of our lives? He has told us time and time again that we need not be afraid to come to him in humility and trust. We can - and should - ask him the questions which rise in our hearts about our purpose, our fulfillment, our happiness because he alone is the answer.

Could it be that we know what answer Jesus will give us once we ask him our questions? Do we not, at least at some level, already know that he will say to us, "If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me" (Luke 9:23)? I think we do, and here we can look to the example of St. Andrew, the blessed martyr.

In examining the martyrdom of St. Andrew, the His Holiness exhorted everyone: "We must learn a very important lesson: Our crosses have value if they are considered and welcomed as a part of the cross of Christ, if they are touched by the reflection of his light. Only through that cross our sufferings are also ennobled and attain their true meaning. "

Thank you, Holy Father, for these reflections; we eagerly await next week's reflections!

St. Andrew, pray for us!