Begin Again, Bring Them to Christ

[Andrew] first found his own brother Simon and told him, “We have found the Messiah,” which is translated Christ. // John 1:41

Surely this can’t be happening raced through my brain as I listened to the argument rising in tone, pitch, and decibels in the other room. A family discussion gone awry left the air stale by the time I re-entered with my toddler, avoiding eye contact, just there for the diaper bag I had left behind.

We resumed the vacation that afternoon, but I could still feel it. The sorrow for misunderstandings between sisters, the blurring of “oh fun we’re at the beach” with “when are we heading home.” My input was finally solicited later, and I tried to articulate something about being loving to each other first, and how these primary relationships radiated out to everything else.

I think it sounded garbled and like I had a baby cutting teeth at night so, incoherent too.

When Saint Andrew, a disciple of Saint John the Baptist, is directed by John to Jesus as the Messiah, he fetches his own brother (then Simon, now) Peter. Scripture tells us, “He first found his own brother Simon and told him . . . .” He must have loved him so much that this news of the Messiah had to go to him first. He couldn’t keep it from him. He wanted him to know the Christ so urgently.

In every misunderstanding, in every instance of hurt feelings you may have experienced over the holidays and holy days with those you love, did this come to mind? This idea that maybe wanting them to be with God, to know Jesus for all eternity, could start with you? How do you treat them? How do you bring the Good News through your actions to those you love?

If you’re like me, these questions make you . . . a little uncomfortable. I wasn’t on my best behavior with family over the Christmas festivities. I complained, grumbled, and congratulated myself on what great gifts I had selected. I didn’t bring Jesus to these people whom I love so dearly.

Today is the day to begin again. This moment is the moment to begin again. Let’s invite Saint Andrew to inspire us.