In the first reading from Ephesians 3:8-12, Paul, while admitting that he is the least of the apostles, claims that he has been given a special grace which enabled him to proclaim the Good News of Jesus to the gentiles or non-Jews. The gospel of John (10:11-16) speaks of Jesus as the good shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep unlike the hired worker who runs away when the wolf comes and attacks the sheep.
Now, to Ambrose. He was born around 339AD into a Christian family that lived in the area known today as Trier. His father was a governor of that part of Gaul. His mother later took him to Rome where he received a strong education in law and literature. This fitted him to become governor of the provinces of Emilia and Liguria. A major city in this province was Milan. When the bishop of Milan died in 374, Ambrose had to go down to the city and try to settle a dispute between Roman Christians and Arians. (The Arians believed that Jesus was created by God making him less than God and of a different “essence” than God the Father.)
Anyway, during the debate over who should succeed the recently deceased Arian bishop of Milan, some shouted “Ambrose, bishop.” He tried to escape, but the people prevailed. Although he was brought up Roman Christian, he wasn’t baptized. So, within a space of eight days, Ambrose was baptized, ordained a priest and then installed as bishop of Milan! He gave away his possessions to care for the poor and began to organize his diocese with the help of a brother. He was largely involved in defending the orthodox Christian belief, wrote extensively, and was a powerful preacher. It was through the influence of Ambrose that St. Monica’s prayers were finally answered and her son, Augustine, was baptized and went on to become another of the great teachers of faith.
Let us pray to Ambrose for teachers and preachers who can communicate the faith in ways that touch people’s hearts and brings about a new conversion to the true faith in Jesus Christ and commitment to the principles of social justice and solidarity with the poor.
