In and through Jesus, salvation has come into the world and the Kingdom of God bursts among us with His coming. The signs and wonders of Jesus stand as a testimony to this. We are now called to open our hearts and minds to His love so that we can experience His power in our lives and share it with others.

If not for Saint Andrew, whose feast we celebrate today, and the other Apostles, we do not know how our faith in Jesus Christ would have been given to us. The Scriptures today remind us, "How can they believe in him of whom they have not heard?" Following the example of Andrew and the other apostles, we are called to give witness to the Gospel with our lives as well as with our words.

Saint Paul reminds us that our Christian responsibility is to share the gospel message with those who have not yet heard it. We are saved in Jesus Christ, and so all people must come to know Him. Don't just follow Christ--bring others to Him as well!

Advent comes with the invitation to draw near to God. Yet, it arrives at that time of year when many people already feel overextended. Still, we are to seek God in moments of Advent stillness and prayer. Can we commit to seeting aside some time to just be with God? This is Advent's invitation, as well as its challenge.

Today's first reading speaks of how God will restore Israel, and how Israel will find shelter and protection in the Lord's glory. The Gospel tells of the faith of the Roman centurion, and his understanding that Jesus only had to speak and his word would be fulfilled. His faith prompted Jesus to teach that God's salvation is intended for all people.

Today's Gospel warns us that we can become complacent about our spiritual lives as we busy ourselves with earthly concerns. When our time comes to stand before Jesus, we are to be ready. We do this by staying close to Him, listening to His words in Scriptures and in our hearts, and holding firm to His command to love one another.

Saint John's Second Letter tells us to persevere in our belief in Jesus and to be faithful to His commandment to love one another. In the GOspel, Jesus warns us that we do not know when He will return, so we are to be alert and prepared at all times.

We are called to help biuld up God's Kingdom on earth so one day we may all be united as one in Christ. We do this by working to make the world a better place. This means loving others, assisting those in need, and working for peace and justice. Are we committed to answering that call?

Saint Paul asks Philemon to forgive the former wrongdoing of Onesimus, his runaway slave. He is to be accepted back, not as a slave, but as a brother in Christ. The Gospel warns of those who teach falsely about the Kingdom of God and its coming. Jesus declares that the Kingdom is already here.

We remember in prayer the people of Saint Martin of Tours parish in Somersworth on their patronal feast day.