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St. Andrew the Apostle is almost always celebrated during the Advent season and his is typically the first feast day of the season of preparation. While St. Andrew didn't encounter Jesus until the beginning of his public ministry, Andrew's actions in the Gospel of John provide for us a perfect model for Advent.
St. John Chrysostom provides for us a commentary on St. Andrew and how he fits within this season before Christmas.
St. Andrew was like many Jews of the 1st century, waiting with expectation for the coming of the Messiah. He did not know when the Messiah would come, but he had hope that one day his longing would be fulfilled.
This is an important lesson for us. We too should cultivate in our hearts a special longing for Jesus, waiting with expectation for not only his second coming, but also his coming to us in the gift of the Holy Eucharist. One of the primary marks of a Christian is to spend our lives longing to be with Jesus.
St. John Chrysostom continues his commentary and notes how St. Andrew's desire to share the good news with his brother highlights another central key of Advent.
One of the greatest tasks we have as Christians is to share the joy we have received with others. During Advent we wait for Christmas, and then when Christmas arrives, we are challenged to share that joy of Jesus with others.
As we progress through Advent, may St. Andrew the Apostle intercede for us and help us share the joy of finding Jesus with others.
