Gospel in Art: Feast of Saint Andrew, Apostle

The Martyrdom of St Andrew by Charles Le Brun © Getty Museum, London

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 30 November 2024
Matthew 4:18-22

As Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who was called Peter, and his brother Andrew; they were making a cast in the lake with their net, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, 'Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.' And they left their nets at once and followed him. Going on from there he saw another pair of brothers, James, son of Zebedee and his brother John; they were in their boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. At once, leaving the boat and their father, they followed him.

Reflection on the painting

In the lists of the twelve apostles, Andrew always appears second, following his brother Simon Peter. Peter, who became the leading figure in the early church after Jesus' death and resurrection, often overshadows Andrew. It is easy for siblings of prominent figures to be defined by their relationship to the better-known family member; he brother of..., the sister of... Yet, according to the Gospel of John, it was Andrew who introduced Peter to Jesus. Andrew, originally a disciple of John the Baptist, was one of the first two people to spend time with Jesus. After this life-changing encounter, Andrew excitedly sought out his brother Simon, proclaiming, "We have found the Messiah," and brought him to Jesus. Jesus, seeing Simon for the first time, declared, "You are Simon, son of John. You are to be called Peter." While Peter's leadership and influence would become central to the church, it was Andrew's initial role in bringing Peter to Jesus that set everything in motion.

This highlights the importance of Andrew's role as an enabler. And this is what we celebrate mainly today, the 'enabling role' of Andrew. Though he lived somewhat in Peter's shadow, without Andrew, the church would not have known Peter. Each of us has a unique role in the Lord's work, and while some roles may seem less prominent, they are no less vital! The role of an enabler-helping others discover their potential and their path in faith-is one of humble significance.

Charles Le Brun's 'The Martyrdom of Saint Andrew' is a powerful, dramatic depiction of the apostle's crucifixion and ultimate sacrifice. With his arms outstretched, Saint Andrew lifts his gaze to the heavens in a fervent prayerful plea as soldiers prepare to bind him to an X-shaped cross. Overseeing the scene from a grand classical porch is the Roman governor, Egeas, the architect of Andrew's execution. Below, disorder erupts as soldiers struggle to hold back the pressing crowd. Charles Le Brun intensifies the drama by juxtaposing the calm, imposing presence of the governor with the turmoil of the figures in the foreground.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/matthew-4-18-22-2024/