Andrew, Apostle and Martyr

Apostle and Martyr
Feast observed on Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Gracetide

A disciple of John the Baptist, Andrew heard him refer to Jesus as the Lamb of God. Andrew asked for an audience and saw Jesus for a day, then proclaimed, “We have found the Messiah,” in itself a creed and confession for the Christian faith. He brought his brother, Simon-Peter, to Christ. Although not one of the inner circle, he played the first role in several events that are recorded. Eusebius in his Church History states that Andrew later went to Scythia. According to tradition he founded the Church in the city that was to be called Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul in Turkey), and was martyred at Patras, Greece, crucified on an X-shaped cross.

Prayer of the Day
Almighty God, you filled Andrew with such grace that he readily obeyed the call of the Messiah, and brought his brother with him. Call to us with your Word, give us the grace to follow without delay, and inspire us to share the good news of your kingdom with every soul we meet. We make our prayer through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

Psalm of the Day: 19: 1-6
Old Testament Reading: Ezekiel 3: 16-21
New Testament Reading: Romans 10: 10-18
Gospel Reading: John 1: 35-42

Preface to the Eucharistic Prayer
It is indeed right and salutary
that we should at all times and in all places
offer thanks and praise to you,
O Lord, holy Father, almighty and eternal God.

You displayed the wonders of your grace in the apostle Andrew,
first-called disciple of the Christ.
He called others to follow the path of your Son,
and gave his life for the glory of your name.

And so, with your blessed apostle,
and all the heavenly hosts,
we join with the citizens of heaven,
in this, the ageless hymn of your glory.