Here Pope Benedict XVI exchanges greeting with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. Part of the joint statement might well be taken to heart in its intent by some readers as we reflect on the mission of St. Andrew whose feast we celebrate today. The joint statement published stated that the meeting of "Pope Benedict XVI of Rome and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, is God’s work, and in a certain sense his gift. We give thanks to the Author of all that is good, who allows us once again, in prayer and in dialogue, to express the joy we feel as brothers and to renew our commitment to move towards full communion." A dedicated follower of John the Baptist, Andrew and his brother, the one and only, Peter, were above all else apostles. Andrew is a reminder to us, just as is Pope Benedict XVI, that we are sent into the world, carrying the message that Jesus taught: peace, understanding and love. All of us are apostles. We may not speak from pulpits or even from blogs. However, how we live our lives is our sermon, one that we preach each moment of our lives. In the first reading, Paul teaches what an apostle is: one who lives the gospel of Jesus Christ. And what a wonderful verse he includes in this part of his Letter to the Romans: "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring the good news." This line should challenge us to consider how does my life bring the good news to those who see me each day -- at home, at work and at play. Our lives today are in a struggle with the various forces of evil around us: the "small stuff" (as one penitent used to say when coming to confession) like lying --usually to protect our image of ourselves; stealing -- how much time do we take from what we owe our employers each day; injuring -- how do we damage the good name or reputation of others by careless remarks. The "small stuff" really is the fuel that feeds the fire of discontent, the turbulence the we see on the world state where mistrust abounds.Let us pray to St. Andrew today: interecede for us, Apostle who did so much to teach other of the love of God.
