Homily: November 30, 2024, feast of St. Andrew the Apostle (Preach the Gospel)

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 "Their voice has gone forth to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world."

Today’s first reading is one of my favorite Bible passages. It is filled with beautiful, encouraging, and uplifting words. What makes it even more remarkable is that it was written by St. Paul while he was imprisoned, awaiting his trial which he knew would very likely be a death sentence.

Yet, there was no sign of desperation, frustration, or lamentation about his situation in his writing, only positivity and great hope in his words. This is the power of the Good News.

How happy are the feet chained for the sake of the Gospel. How joyful are the hands imprisoned yet proclaiming true freedom.

Recently, when I went for a house visit, I saw Bible verses written on a long whiteboard which also served as a door. I was deeply moved by this.

The parents of that house were sharing the Gospel in creative ways not just with their children, but with everyone who comes to their door. They were clearly not ashamed and not afraid to preach the Gospel.

Pope Saint John XXIII once said, “Preach the Gospel always; use words only when necessary.”

Not all of you will get to stand behind a pulpit, or on a stage to preach the Gospel formally and directly. And we don’t need to be imprisoned to imitate St. Paul’s faith and hope to write all about the promise of salvation. But every one of you can share the Good News of Christ in simple, creative yet meaningful and effective ways in your daily life, like the family I visited.

Our basic Christian vocation is to preach the Gospel of the Lord with our life. This is our baptismal call. It was the last wish of Jesus before His ascension:

"Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age."

Today, the last day of the liturgical year, we also celebrate the feast of St. Andrew the Apostle. Let us ask St. Andrew to intercede for us, for the Lord to grant us the inspiration and courage to witness to the Gospel fearlessly and faithfully, in both our words and actions as we end a year of growth and enter a new year with great hope.

Amen.


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