Dec

7

Where is the St. Ambrose of Our Time?

December 7, 2007 |

St. Ambrose Mosaic

Until today, I really didn’t know much of anything about St. Ambrose, whose life the church commemorates today.  But, now he may be one of my favorite saints.

He was a Roman official, sent to Milan to help them decide on a new archbishop.  He ended up getting chosen by the people as the new archbishop - even though he wasn’t a priest.  This little oversight didn’t get in his way.  In short order, he intently studied his theology and was ordained.

And what a pastor he made.  He was known for his sermons, music and writings.  He stared down the bad teachers and misguided doctrine of the day and defended the faith so well that the Church considers him one of the 33 doctors of the Church - 33 of the most learned men and women of our faith.

He also went after the public officials of his day - calling them to a better life and getting them to convert from committing great sin while in office.  He convinced them to use the grace of their faith to better serve the public entrusted to them.

As if these accomplishments weren’t enough, he converted St. Augustine - turning him from a wasted life to a life numbered one of the greatest in history.

We need people like St. Ambrose today - as shepherds, office holders, leaders.  We need to be like St. Ambrose - strong, courageous, smart, without apology in defense of our faith, without regret in how we live our life, ready for anything God wills us to do.

St. Ambrose never seemed to be afraid because he knew God was directing his life - we should look to him as a role model.  We should remove any hint of fear from our life - as long as our life is being directed by our Father in heaven.

Painting: St. Ambrose - Mosaic in St. Ambrogio Church (Milan, Italy)


Comments

Name (required)

Email (required)

Website

Speak your mind