Fr. Sanctus Mario
Inspiration and Bible Reflections

Sincere Discipleship: Breakfast with the Word. The Feast of Saint Andrew

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Breakfast With the Word Feast of Saint Andrew The Apostle

 

Matthew 4:18-22

 

The gospel of today’s feast, the Feast of Saint AndrewΒ  teaches the true meaning of Sincere discipleship.

 

Sincere discipleship is literally when we follow someone without pretence or deceit. It is also when we truly follow someone or serve Him without having anything at the back of our minds. This is when we are truly Christians.

 

This discipleship is the one that truly comes from the heart and occupies our whole being both in spirit, mind, body and soul. In the call of Saint Andrew and other apostles, we learn what it means to be a true disciple of Jesus.

 

Sincere discipleship admits no weakness, fake Christianity, inordinate desires, hypocrisy, play-acting but sincere and earnest desire to be like Jesus.

 

It is not when we go to church to shout Amen but our hearts are very far away from God. Sincere discipleship comes from the heart that is truly hungry for the Lord.

 

When we look at what happens today in the gospel we can actually glean from the encounter what it means to be a true follower of the Lord.

 

In the Gospel

 

In the gospel of today, we see how Jesus calls Peter and Andrew His brother as they were casting their nets inside the sea. They left their nets and followed Him.

 

He also calls James and John who are with their father Zebedee when they are already mending their nets.

They also left the boats and their Father and followed Him. This kind of response is unthinkable but the response of these two groups of the apostles actually reveals what it truly means to be a disciple of Jesus.

 

Read More.

 

The Way We Relate to God and Others.Monday 1st Week of Advent

 

The Day is Coming: First Sunday of Advent Year C

 

The Way to Survive the End

 

Always Remember His Word

 

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To Be Sincere Disciple. The Feast of Saint Andrew

 

Today we claim to be disciples of Jesus but when we critically analyse the cost of discipleship and what it truly means to be a sincere disciple of Jesus, we will come to terms that we are very far away from God. From the gospel, there are glaring instances of what sincere discipleship means.

 

1. In the apostles we see people who are willing to be followers of Jesus. Immediately Jesus calls them, they give in immediately. There is no excuse and no sign of weakness. No one even asks each other, who is this person we are following. They responded like people who are ready, willing, and prepared.

 

The gist here is that immediately they heard the voice of the Master, there was prompt obedience. How many times have we continually heard the voice of God through the reading of the word, inspiration, homilies, sermon etc? But we relegate them.

 

We treat the word of God as if it is nothing with the mentality of β€œis it today we have been hearing the word of God”, β€œmust we sermonize everything”, β€œetc. The Feast of Saint Andrew teaches us that to be a sincere disciple is to be willing to listen to His voice, then serve and obey Jesus in everything we do.

 

2.Sincere discipleship is also the readiness to face or encounter anything for the fact it involves God. This is when we are not afraid of whatever we are going to face along the journey.

 

We are expecting the apostles today to ask Jesus where they are going. No one questions what they are actually going to benefit from this encounter. They just followed Him.

 

Sincere discipleship is when the love of being a disciple conquers whatever we may face in life. We remain His loving follower despite the problems, challenges and conditions we find ourselves. This is not when we follow Jesus only because of what we are going to gain. Sometimes when many pray and they do not see the results, they abandon their faith and lose hope in God. The Feast of Saint Andrew teaches us that sincere discipleship goes more than this. Our relationship with the Lord is not conditional.

 

3. When Jesus calls the apostles, they leave everything. They sacrifice their source of living. Peter and Andrew are already making a cast into the sea. They did not tell Jesus to allow them to finish what they are doing. Andrew and his brother didn’t tell Jesus that they are extremely busy. They left the fish, the net, the boat and followed Jesus.

What is keeping us busy that we have refused to pray for one year, month, day etc? What is actually taking the time we are supposed to give to the Lord? When we are true disciples of the Lord, we will make efforts to allow nothing to stand in between.

 

James and John are already mending their boats. Invariably they are working. But they left their boat, their father and everything to follow Jesus.

What can we sacrifice? What is that thing that takes the first place in our lives? Sincere discipleship demands our total commitment and sacrifice. Can we sacrifice our selfish desires? Can we sacrifice that aspiration just for the sake of the Lord?

 

Today we seem to seek our desires more than we seek what God wants. The Feast of Saint Andrew teaches us that being His disciple is to make sure that what God wants us to do takes the prime position in everything we do.

 

 

4. Finally, sincere discipleship involves true and honest disposition to the things of God. This is not when we fake our realtionship to God. It is not when we pretend to be close to God but deep inside our hearts we know that we are not.

 

Saint Andrew is known for His honest and sincere life. When the apostles were deliberating on how Jesus can feed the crowd, He was the one who pointed to the small boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish (John 6:8).

 

Also, Immediately John acknowledges Jesus as the lamb of God , Andrew left John immediately to follow Jesus (John 1:40). The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, β€œWe have found the Messiah”  (John 1:41). He is always plain and simple.

 

Therefore, He teaches us to be honest and plain. Like St. Andrew let us not live a life of deception. When we live a fake life, we mislead ourselves.

 

May God give us the grace to be sincere disciples of Jesus. May He continue to guide us and be with us in all we do. Amen

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121 Comments
  1. Ekwem Emmanuela Chiamaka says

    Amen and Amen

    1. Regina Mobu says

      Amen! Lord help me to be a sincere disciple of Jesus.

  2. Ogechi Anugwom says

    May we always follow the footsteps of Jesus all the days of our lives in Jesus name, Amen

    1. Nwatu Nneka P says

      Amen. May nothing stop us from following our LORD N MASTER. JESUS CHRIST OF NAZARETH Amen.

  3. Nonye Maduka says

    Amen. Thank you fr

  4. Chioma Frances Egwuogu says

    Amen

    1. Inya Joseph says

      God grant us the grace to follow you unconditionally!

    2. Chibuzo Chinwuba says

      May God help us to be his true disciples.

  5. Emilia Arinze says

    Ever merciful Jesus please help us not to be the hearers of the word only without implementing it . Let’s do the best that will give God the glory in Jesus name Amen

    1. Onyekonwu Ngozi says

      Amen! Thank you Jesus for your breakfast this morning. Lord I pray for more grace and strength upon my life through Jesus Christ our Lord Amen.

  6. Eze Ezinne promise says

    Amen

  7. Anthony Elijah says

    Amen. Thank you Fr.

    1. Ogwa Oluchi Rose says

      We pray for God’s grace to follow Him at all times…. Amen

      1. Munachimso onuoha says

        Amen
        God grant me the grace to know what you want me to do

  8. OJIOGBU JACINTA says

    Amen

  9. Omanukwue Adaora says

    Without your grace, I cannot be your good disciple lord. Make me to be your true follower lord. Amen

  10. Okereke Festus says

    Thank you God. I pray for the Grace of sincere discipleship

  11. Kubiat says

    When we live a fake life, we mislead others and ourselves. This got me thinking deep into my relating with people already. May God increase you all round. Amen

  12. Eze, Blessing Chinasa says

    Amen. Lord, may your will be done in my life and may you give me the grace to follow you regardless of the circumstances surrounding me.

  13. Blessing Chilo says

    May we be your worthy disciples in good times and in bad through christ our Lord Amen

    1. Duru Prisca Uchechi says

      Ur write ups brings back my joy in worshiping God, God bless you Fr for this revival

  14. Eririogu Fidelia says

    Amen. Thanks father

  15. Mercy E Johnny says

    Thank you Jesus for ur word today, Lord give me the grace to be a sincere disciple. Amen, St Andrew,pray for us.

  16. Charlesmary Okonkwo says

    May the Good Lord bless his words in every souls that reads these! Amen!!!

  17. ANGELA MADU says

    Amen and Amen
    Oh God almighty, help us so that we can live a plain and truthful life like St Andrew through Christ our Lord. Amen

  18. Ozioko Evangeline Nneka says

    Amen to all the prayers .thank u my jesus .I pray for more of your help in my life

  19. Ijeoma Ugorji says

    True discipleship calls for total commitment to the will of God and service to humanity. It requires sincere and true devotion to the things of God.
    We pray for the grace to serve God in truth and in spirit. Amen.

    1. Obizolu Assumpta says

      Amen

  20. Ozioko Evangeline Nneka says

    Amen to all the prayers.thank you my jesus. I pray for more of your help in my life .

    1. Dorothy Mary Iyinbor says

      Amen thanks Padre

  21. Blessing Iortsugh says

    Amen and Amen, thank you fr. More grace.

  22. Njideka Aniagolu says

    May we always strive to be real followers of Christ with a sincere heart, Amen.
    Remain blessed with wisdom from above father.

  23. Ogbonna kyrian says

    Amen

  24. Mailoushi James says

    Amen! God help us to be true disciples no matter what it may cost us to the glory of your name, Amen

    1. Munachimso onuoha says

      Amen

  25. Agbai ujunwa felicity says

    May God give us the grace to put him first in everything we do and also to be good and sincere disciples not just when things are rosy but in all condition we find ourselves through Christ our Lord… Amen

  26. Adichie Lilian Chizoba says

    Amen

  27. Lazarus Okoroafor Andrew says

    I pray may God give us the grace of being a sincere, honest and true followers of Christ. Amen.

  28. Mrs Nora Nkoli Anabiri says

    Amennnnnnn. Oh my God I pray that nothing will ever take Your place in my life, I pray for increase in my prayer life, I pray that You will always be First in my life and the lives of my children, siblings and family in Jesus mighty name Amen

  29. Mrs Nora Nkoli Anabiri says

    Amennnnnnn. Oh my God I pray that nothing will ever take Your place in my life, I pray for increase in my prayer life, I pray that You will always be First in my life and the lives of my children, siblings and family in Jesus mighty name Amen

  30. Onyema Maryann Anurika says

    Amen

  31. Nwaka Chiamaka Favor says

    Amen
    Thanks so much Padre for this food of the soul, indeed I’m inspired and motivated with this word. And I pray that God will give me the grace to always be at alert and ready to follow him when he calls upon me . Amen

  32. Golu Chetachukwu Angela says

    Amen. Thanks so much, Padre, for this sumptuous food of the soul. God bless you, richly in his grace.
    I pray that this word, would illumine our hearts’.. Just like St Andrew, we’ll faithfully honor and serve God in truth and in spirit, without any reservations. And may God be the priority in all our undertakings. Thank you Jesus, for this wordπŸ™

  33. Chibuzor says

    Lord may ur words abide in me

  34. Ezeagu Anuli says

    Amen, may he grant us the grace to be true disciples through the intercession of the apostle St. Andrew

  35. Dorothy Mary Iyinbor says

    Amen thanks Padre

  36. Mbama Christiana says

    Thank you Padre for this message. May the Lord help me to practice what I preach and also make my life a reading bible for others. Amen

  37. Peter Anthony Dodoh says

    Amen

  38. Prisca says

    Amen, so help me God

  39. Ifeoma Chikelu says

    God help us to be sincere and totally submit ourselves to your will.

    1. Ogbaji Patience says

      Amen

  40. Joy says

    Amen, thank you Fr.

  41. Helen says

    Amen! Thank you Padre πŸ™πŸ™πŸ™πŸ™ God bless you.

  42. Onyiam Ogechi says

    May we be through disciples of Jesus Christ we pray oh Lord πŸ™ πŸ™πŸ™

  43. Nwokedike Chinenye says

    Amen.

    Dearest Lord, help me to practice true discipleship at all times in life.

  44. Gabriel-Martin says

    Amen Fr.

  45. Obika Chidimma says

    Amen, thanks Fr.
    Jesus, i need Your grace to be a sincere disciple.

  46. Obika Chidimma hi says

    Amen, thanks Fr.
    Jesus, i need Your grace to be a sincere disciple.

    1. Nnoruga obiageli says

      Amen,Lord give me your grace to be faithful in serving you

  47. Okeke Chioma Agatha says

    Amen

  48. Christian says

    Amen

  49. Dr Chinwe Agwoile says

    This is really an eye opener, Padre Mia. Sometimes I feel complacent about things of God; I relegate my duty as a child of God entrusted with a mission. I pray, through the pious intercession of Glorious Archangel Michael, for God’s special grace to be up and doing in working for God and never to backslide in living out my Christian life of dedication, through Jesus Christ I pray. Thanks dear and remain ever blessed, fulfilled and happy!

  50. Paxk says

    Your grace is all I ask Lord, to promptly respond to your call, and so, be one of your true disciples. Amen πŸ™

    1. David Sunday Edore says

      Amen, oh Lord help me and draw me closer to u to be a true and sincere disciple of Jesus Christ.

  51. Onyeoma Ukamaka says

    Amen and bless you too Fr.

  52. Theomaris says

    Amen πŸ™

  53. Uchechukwu Egbo says

    Amen πŸ™. Thank you Lord for your word and I pray that all I have had today will not stand against me on the last day πŸ™

  54. Maryclara says

    Amen! May God give us his sustainable Grace to follow him and to do his will always Amen!

  55. Ogechi Anugwom says

    Amen

  56. Margaret Awum says

    Amen πŸ™

  57. Yolanda Malebatsane says

    Thank you Lord for caring us through the month of November,for protecting us and keep us healthy,thank you for the gift of life,continue to bless,protect,guide and gaurd us in Jesus name Amen

  58. Charles Ndubuisi says

    Amen

  59. Margaretmary Azegbeobor says

    May God grant me the grace of true discipleship

  60. Okoye Juliet chidinma says

    Amen
    Thank you Padre
    May the Lord Almighty grant me the grace of a sincere discipleship
    Amen

  61. Beatrice Solomon says

    Amen

  62. Mailoushi James says

    Amen, remain blessed Fr. Good morning

  63. Okwuchukwu Judith says

    Lord help me to be a sincere discipleship.
    Without you I’m nothing.

  64. GeraldineMary says

    Amen πŸ™

  65. Blessing Salifu says

    Amen, lord show us your mercy.

  66. Ndukwe Amanda says

    Amen Fr

  67. Eze Juliana Nkechi says

    Amen. Lord help me not be a fake christian.

  68. Okonkwo onyinye says

    AMEN

  69. Unique Peace Wilfred says

    May God give us the strength to carry our crosses despite the challenges we face. May we be true disciples of God πŸ™πŸ™

  70. Mariajacinta Ivoke says

    Amen

  71. Jane chuks says

    Amen πŸ™Œ

  72. Sylvia says

    Lord give me the grace to leave a sincere life Amen

  73. Nnametu chioma Michelle says

    Amen…..

  74. Dr Nick Onyia says

    I pray for undiluted sincerity in this my christian life, in Jesus mighty name, amen πŸ™ More unction to you, fr

  75. Amadi miracleN says

    Amen πŸ™ thanks fr.
    Jesus we needs ur grace to be a sincere disciples

  76. Cecilia.U.Christopher says

    Amen πŸ™πŸ™
    Thanks Padre for this message may God continue to strengthen you in his vineyard and help me to listen to his voice and be his true discipleπŸ™πŸ™πŸ™πŸ™

  77. Christian Agu says

    Amen.
    Good please grant me the grace to love and worship you always.
    Good I thank you for the 21 days with Angel Raphael.

    Amen

  78. Ella says

    Amen. Oh Lord give me the grace and strength to do your will and in all total commitment to the things of my father. Amen and amen.

  79. Agina Uchenna says

    Amen!
    Lord please give me the grace to follow and obey you unconditionally and also remove whatever that is taking your place in my life in Jesus name Amen.

  80. Ella says

    Amen. Oh Lord give me the grace and strength to do your will and in all, total commitment to the things of my father. Amen and amen.

  81. Nwoye Chinemerem says

    Amen πŸ™

  82. Grace uba says

    Ameeeeen

  83. Angela Ekere says

    Amen. Thank you Jesus and Mary for the successful journey with Archangel St. Raphael. Thank tou St.Raphael for your intercession.

  84. Onyinyechi Emeka-Ude says

    Amen.

  85. Vivian Elochukwu says

    Oh Lord give us the grace to be a true disciples of Jesus Christ and also the grace to serve and worship him in spirit and truth Amen πŸ™

  86. Ifeoma Ugwueze says

    Amen

  87. Umeze Rosemary says

    Amen

  88. Regina Mobu says

    Amen

  89. Anidiobi Sylvia Ngozi says

    I pray to be a true & sincere disciple of Jesus Christ Amen

  90. Dinmah Lucy Chinyere says

    Amen

  91. Nnoruga obiageli says

    Amen,Lord cause me to be faithful in serving you

  92. Ogechi Oscar says

    Amen,O Lord please help us to be sincere disciples Amen

  93. Mbama Christiana says

    Amen. Thank you Padre for this beautiful reflection.

  94. Oby Okpalaeke says

    Amen πŸ™

  95. John says

    Amen

  96. Dodoh Peter Anthony says

    Amen πŸ™πŸ™πŸ™

  97. Udemezue Martina Mary says

    Amen

  98. Godwin Odah says

    Amen and Amen πŸ‘.
    Instill in me Lord, the grace to be a true disciple of Jesus, in good and in bad times without reservation in all the days of my life on earth.

    May the peace of Christ always remain with you Padre, to guide you in shepherding the flocks entrusted to your care…. Amen πŸ‘.

  99. Chinwe Agwoile says

    Interestingly, when Jesus said, β€œFOLLOW ME”, Andrew responded with immediate promptness. He left everything behind. He was ready with zeal to start fishing for human souls for Jesus. Jesus extends the same invitation to me today.
    Pertinent Questions:
    -Am I willing to surrender all in order to follow Jesus? Have I been a true fisher of men? Am I lukewarm or zealous in spiritual matters?
    Lord Jesus, I have so much distractions in my life, yet You call me daily to follow You and fish for You. Help me to let go of all that prevent me from following You in a closer way. Grant me the generosity to surrender everything, and to follow You. Let nothing of this world stand between us. Make me draw souls to You. Amen!!

    Am resolved to π˜½π™š.𝙖.π™₯π™€π™žπ™£π™©.𝙀𝙛.π™‘π™žπ™œπ™π™©πŸ•―οΈ

  100. Anthonia Okonkwo says

    Amen.

  101. CHUKWUNONSO MADUKA says

    Amen

  102. Okeke Juliet Nneka says

    Amen πŸ™.

  103. Grace Yina says

    Amen

  104. Enibe Jacinta Amara says

    Amen

  105. Doris Emmanuel Ogban says

    GOD please give me the GRACE to be sincere disciple of YOURS
    in JESUS CHRIST πŸ™ AMEN

  106. Michael Uzoechiena says

    Amen Padre and God’s Divine wisdom.

  107. Eneh Chioma Maureen says

    My Lord Jesus always make me to follow you in truth.

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