Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial
of Saint Ambrose, B.D. (7th December, 2016) on the Gospel and the Memorial
Rom 10:9-18;
Ps 19:2-3.4-5. (R. v. 5);
Matt 4:18-22.
Saint Ambrose was born about 339 at Trier and was
elected Bishop when he was still a catechumen. He accepted the position after
hesitation. Ambrose became a famous preacher and defender of the faith. He
received Saint Augustine into the Church. He fought paganism and also protected
the Church against political power. Saint Ambrose was a Christian bishop of
great faith and energy.
Topic: Come to me, (Matt 11:28).
In today’s gospel, Jesus asks all who are weary and are
carrying heavy burdens to come to Him and have rest. The gospel reads further:
“Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart,
and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is
light” (Matt 11:29-30).
The book of Lamentations is unambiguous that what brings about
true heavy burdens is sin, cf. Lam 1:14;
cf. Hos 11:7. Hence Saint Paul admonishes
us not to submit again to the yoke of sin, cf. Gal 5:1. The book of Lamentation reads further: “With a yoke on our
necks we are hard driven; we are weary, we are given no rest” (Lam 5:5).
God asks us in today’s gospel to come to Him and have the troubling
and tiring yokes removed from us, cf. Nah
1:13. We are left with two options – either to go to God and be freed or remain
with our heavy burdens.
No matter how bad you think your situation is, be certain that
nothing is too hard for God, cf. Gen
18:14; Jer 32:17,27. The blood of our Lord can make the best out of us, cf.
Is 1:18. Saint Ambrose understood this
so well. Hence, he readmitted the Roman Emperor Theodosius I to the sacraments
after some months of penance. Make the best out of your state today.
Bible Reading: Nah 1:12-15.
Thought for today: Are you under any yoke?
Let us pray: God, help us to be free from every yoke
of sin – Amen.
Saint Ambrose – Pray for us.
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with others if you consider it worthy.
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