Follow Me — A Reflection for Advent

by Deacon Michael Bickerstaff | November 30, 2022 12:07 am


A Daily Reflection on the Scripture Readings at Mass[1]…

And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. (Matthew 4:19-20)


Every Advent, I take stock of where I am in my response to the Lord’s invitation to new life — my “obedience of faith.”

Is my spiritual life stronger and deeper at the start of this Advent season than it was at the end of last year’s Advent? Do I continue to love Jesus more and more each day?

Today is the Feast of St. Andrew the Apostle. In the gospel at Mass, we hear the call of Andrew and Peter who immediately left their nets and followed Jesus, and then the call of James and John, the Sons of Zebedee, who likewise leave their boat follow Jesus. I imagine there is much more depth to this story than Jesus inviting and these four men immediately saying yes. I am sure there is more background knowledge on the part of Andrew, Peter, James and John regarding Jesus at the point of this invitation. But the greatest “depth” is the gift of faith, the grace that God grants to each of us as he “passes by.”

Jesus wants us to accept this grace and embrace his mission and to continue it. One of the “three comings of the Lord” in Advent is the Jesus’ daily encounters with us where he call us to set aside our own plans and to embrace his plan for our life and the moment of encounter.

What is Jesus asking me today? Who has he sent into my life today? For what purpose. Am I listening, watching, waiting, willing?

“What do you ask, Lord?”

“Help me understand, Lord.”

“Grant me courage and strengthen my will to actually do what you ask.”

Advent is about saying yes to Jesus. Will I set aside what I am doing and follow him in what he asks?

Come, Lord Jesus. We praise Thy Holy Name!

Image credit: “The Calling of Andrew and Peter” (detail) | Duccio di Buoninsegna[2], Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons




We strive to operate on a very small budget, but we need your help. Both one-time and monthly donations are welcome. Just $10 a month will help cover the cost of operating Integrated Catholic Life for one day! Please help us bring enriching and inspiring Catholic content to readers around the world by giving today. Thank you!


A popular and engaging speaker, Deacon Bickerstaff is available to speak at your parish or event. Be sure to check out his Speaker Page[3] to learn more. Into the Deep[4] is a regular feature of the The Integrated Catholic Life™.

Come and join me on Twitter! Follow @dcnmikebick[5]

Please help spread the Gospel. Share this article with family and friends on Facebook and other social media.


Endnotes:
  1. Scripture Readings at Mass: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/113022.cfm
  2. Duccio di Buoninsegna: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Duccio_di_Buoninsegna_-_Calling_of_Peter_and_Andrew_-_WGA06774.jpg
  3. Speaker Page: http://www.integratedcatholiclife.org/integrated-catholic-life-speakers-bureau/deacon-mike-bickerstaff/
  4. Into the Deep: http://www.integratedcatholiclife.org/category/blogs/into-the-deep/
  5. Follow @dcnmikebick: https://twitter.com/dcnmikebick?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Source URL: https://integratedcatholiclife.org/2022/11/deacon-bickerstaff-follow-me-a-reflection-for-advent/