Andrew

Friday, February 23, 2007 -- (Polycarp)

"Morning Reflections" is a brief thought about the scripture readings from the Daily Office of Morning and Evening Prayer according to the practice found in the Book of Common Prayer of the Episcopal Church.

Morning Prayer begins on p. 80 of the Book of Common Prayer.
Evening Prayer begins on p. 117
An online resource for praying the Daily Office is found at www.missionstclare.com
Another form of the office from Phyllis Tickle's "Divine Hours" is available on our partner web site www.ExploreFaith.org at this location -- http://explorefaith.org/prayer/fixed/index.html

Discussion Blog: To comment on today's reflection or readings, go to http://lowellsblog.blogspot.com, find today's reading, click "comment" at the bottom of the reading, and post your thoughts.

Today's Readings for the Daily Office (p. 950)
Psalms 31 (morning) // 35 (evening)
Deuteronomy 7:12-16
Titus 2:1-15
John 1:35-42

There is something about Andrew that appeals to me. I imagine him as a winsome, caring person with a hopeful idealism. We see him today as one of the disciples of John the Baptist. John points out Jesus with the exclamation, "Look, here is the Lamb of God!" Andrew is open enough to follow Jesus. When Jesus looks at him and asks, "What are you looking for?" the answer is a traditional way of saying "I would like to learn from you." He says, "Rabbi, where are you staying?"

Jesus' invitation is my idea of good evangelism. "Come and see." Try it out. See if it is a good fit for you. That's the way I like to invite people to St. Paul's or to the Episcopal Church. "Come and see." No expectations. No hard-sell. Just come and see if this way of worshiping, praying, and serving in community is a good fit for you.

Andrew hangs around long enough to like what he sees. And the first thing he does is to go find his brother. His brother is Simon, whom Jesus will name Peter. Rocky in English. Andrew is the connection between Jesus and Peter. And what a connection it will be. On this Rock, Christ will build the church.

In one of the versions of the feeding of the multitudes. it is Andrew who brings a young boy to Jesus. The child doesn't have much, a few fish and some peasant bread. But it is enough, and multitudes are satisfied.

There is something winsome and encouraging about Andrew. He is able to connect people to Jesus just by inviting them. We see no evidence of expectation, control or manipulation in his actions. With a gentle hope he brings others to Jesus' presence. And amazing things happen. Simon Peter becomes the church's first great leader. A small boy's sack-lunch feeds thousands.

Come and see. Try it out. No expectations. You never know what might happen.