Mt 4:18-22
18As [Jesus] was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen. 19He said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
20At once they left their nets and followed him. 21He walked along from there and saw two other brothers, James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They were in a boat, with their father Zebedee, mending their nets. He called them, 22and immediately they left their boat and their father and followed him.
Reflection:
His brother Andrew. Andrew is the less famous brother of Simon Peter. He does not steal the limelight from Peter. Andrew is not a thorn at Peter’s side. He does not compete with or contradict his brother. Unlike the impetuous Peter, Andrew is quiet and keeps a low profile, always at the background yet in support of his brother.
Peter does not meet any opposition from the other apostles. I do not credit Peter much for this. But I believe the silent support of his brother Andrew helps and encourages him a lot. Though he is not among the three apostles who make up the inner circle of Jesus’ close friends, Andrew is one of the first called by Jesus to follow him.
I have four brothers, and I know what it means to be supported by them all. I may be the more popular brother, but that is largely due to their support. Indeed, they also serve who stand and wait.
Be the supporting cast for a friend.