Advent 2020

 

Advent 2020: At Once

STM Advent 2020_3450

Today we celebrate the feast of St. Andrew the Apostle. As a member of Clan Grant, I have always had a soft spot for him as the patron saint of Scotland. In him, my faith and a part of my family heritage meet. He is also one of my constant writing companions—his icon sits on the right side of my desk at home. And when I begin to worry about personal or professional challenges as I work or write, I ask for his prayers.

In today’s gospel reading, Jesus walks by the Sea of Galilee and calls the fisherman Andrew and his brother Simon (who is called Peter) to leave their fishing nets and to “Come after me and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). And “at once” they put down their nets, and their old way of life, and followed after Jesus. They became his disciples. 

At once, they put down their nets, and their old way of life, and followed after Jesus. That part moves me every time.

Unlike St. Andrew, I’ve never been good at the whole “at once” bit. That’s why I often need his prayers. I tend to cling to my old nets, skeptical and fearful of what Jesus is calling me to do next. But St. Andrew always reminds me that when you hear the call, it’s better to trust God and come.

That reminder has become even more important during these past months of lockdown and social distancing. St. Andrew and I have spent a lot of time together as I've worked from home. Always good company, his icon now daily reminds me that I must continue to trust God's call, especially during a pandemic. I don’t know about you, but many of my old nets are now gone and, in their place, I’ve had to weave new ones and find new ways to work, worship and spend time with family and friends. Sometimes it’s been creative and life-giving; other times, it’s been hard and wearisome. Like St. Andrew, I don’t know what comes next, but through his story, I know that Jesus will be there, helping me live into—and live out—who God continues to call me to be, to become.

And that is my wish (and prayer) for you this Advent season: that in this time of waiting and anticipation and weariness, you will hear Jesus calling you from some remote corner of your life, and at once, like St. Andrew, you will put down your net and follow.

Sarah Woodford '10 M.Div.

Sarah Woodford '10 M.Div.

Sarah is the Director of The Vincent Library at STM.