St. Andrew the Apostle: First Called and the Lessons He Gives to the Church

St. Andrew the Apostle: First Called and the Lessons He Gives to the Church

The first Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of the Advent Season, . . .

. . . a sacred time of preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of the Lord. While it’s common to think that Advent begins by simply counting back four Sundays from December 25th, the Church follows a different tradition. Advent’s start is actually determined by the Sunday closest to the feast of St. Andrew the Apostle.

St. Andrew’s Lessons

This connection between St. Andrew’s feast and the beginning of Advent holds deep significance. Every year, St. Andrew’s feast day either coincides with the first days of Advent or stands at its threshold, marking the season’s start.

Why is St. Andrew’s feast tied so closely to Advent? It’s not just a coincidence based on the date of his martyrdom. Rather, it reflects the profound witness and example St. Andrew offers to the Church—a model of faith and discipleship as we begin this holy season of anticipation.

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St. Andrew the Apostle: First Called and the Lessons He Gives to the Church

Saint Andrew the Apostle: Flemish Artist and Painter: Peter Paul Rubens: 1611

The painting shows the calling of St. Peter and St. Andrew.

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Gospel: Matthew: 4: 18-22

First Reading: Rom 10: 9-18