A Welcome Sound
30 November 2017
Andrew was one of the first disciples called by Jesus. Andrew’s first instinct was to let others know about his encounter with the Lord – including his brother Peter.
I imagine that he would have spoken of his personal experience. Perhaps he said something like this to his friends: “Look, I have just met this wonderful man, who has really got something about him. ‘Come and see’ for yourself.”
The disciples then spent the best part of the next three years in his company. They abandoned their plans, livelihood and family. Jesus made an impact. So much so, that after witnessing the death of Jesus and then his resurrection, these followers surrendered their lives for the sake of the Gospel. Hard to argue with this type of witnessing!
The first reading of the Mass today picks up on this dynamic and personal nature of the person and message of Jesus. St. Paul, who himself had an extraordinary awakening to the Lord, proclaims:
We will not ask his help unless we believe in him, and we will not believe in him unless we have heard of him, and we will not hear of him unless we get a preacher, and we will never have a preacher unless one is sent, but as scripture says: The footsteps of those who bring good news are a welcome sound (Romans 10).
What a medley! What common sense!
How can people call on God without faith? How can faith be evoked if the good news is not heard? How can people receive if a preacher is not present? How can a preacher be present if he or she is not called and sent?
Well, we are called and sent. Our “footsteps will be a welcome sound” for all those we meet this day. Let’s not doubt it. We are called and sent.
Amen.