Most of us reading this are baptized Catholics. Once a year, at Easter, we have the remarkable opportunity to renew our baptismal promises. In this way, we "confess with" our "lips that Jesus is Lord" (see Rm 10:9). But if this confession is not founded upon heartfelt belief, our words ring hollow. In addition, salvation is not a onetime event. We must persevere, exercising the virtue of fortitude. "The man who holds out to the end, however, is the one who will see salvation" (Mt 24:13).
Considering this, wise disciples guard against apathy. Are we about our Father's business? (see Lk 2:49) "None of those who cry out, ‘Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of God but only the one who does the will of My Father in heaven" (Mt 7:21).
Who can live up to such an overwhelming standard? Don't despair! We are not alone on this journey. We "are surrounded by this cloud of witnesses" (Heb 12:1), including St. Andrew. Andrew was one of the first evangelists (see Jn 1:41-42). "How beautiful are the feet of those who announce good news!" (Rm 10:15) He now resides in heaven, ready and willing to pray for us. At Mass, the Church reminds us the saints are constantly interceding in God's presence; we can rely on them for unfailing help. Don't neglect the Communion of Saints. Remember our older brothers and sisters who have gone before us. St. Andrew, pray for us.
| PRAYER: | Father, grace us to say what we mean and mean what we say. |
| PROMISE: | "The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul; The decree of the Lord is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple." ––Ps 19:8 |
| PRAISE: | "One of the two who had followed Him after hearing John was Simon Peter's brother Andrew" (Jn 1:40). Thank you, St. Andrew, for answering the Lord's call. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College