Posted on 12/06/2018 10:25:25 PM PST by Salvation
St. Margaret Mary Alacoque
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The Angel of the Lord declared to Mary:
Behold the handmaid of the Lord: Be it done unto me according to Thy word.
And the Word was made Flesh: And dwelt among us.
Amen. "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you" (Lk 1:28) "Blessed are you among women, |
Feast Day: December 7
Born: between 337 and 340 A.D., Trier, Germany
Died: 397 A.D.
Major Shrine: Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio, Milan, Italy where he is buried
Patron of: Bee keepers, bees, candle makers, domestic animals, French Commissariat, learning, Milan, Italy, students, wax refiners
Friday, December 7
Liturgical Color: White
Today is the Memorial of St. Ambrose, bishop
and Doctor of the Church. During the 4th
century St. Ambrose fought to eliminate the
Arian heresy. This widespread heresy denied
the divinity of Christ. Arians believed God the
Father created Jesus.
December 07, 2018 (Readings on USCCB website)
O God, who made the Bishop Saint Ambrose a teacher of the Catholic faith and a model of apostolic courage, raise up in your Church men after your own heart to govern her with courage and wisdom. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
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Old Calendar: St. Ambrose; Vigil of the Immaculate Conception
St. Ambrose (340-397) was born at Treves in Gaul, a territory which embraced modern France, Britain, Spain, and part of Africa. He studied in Rome and later became governor of Liguria and Aemelia with residence at Milan. While supervising the election of a new bishop of Milan in 374, he himself was suddenly acclaimed the bishop. He was only a catechumen at the time and was ordained a priest and consecrated a bishop on Dec. 7. He wrote much on the Scriptures and Fathers, preached a homily every Sunday, resisted the interference of the secular powers with the rights of the Church, opposed the heretics, and was instrumental in bringing about the conversion of St. Augustine. He composed many hymns, promoted sacred chant, and took a great interest in the Liturgy.
St. Ambrose
Around the year 333 Ambrose was born at Trier, the child of a noble Roman family. After his father's death he went to Rome, and was soon appointed consul with residence at Milan. While attempting to settle a dispute between the Arians and Catholics over the choice of a bishop, he himself was chosen, although only a catechumen at the time. Thereupon he devoted himself wholeheartedly to the study of theology, and gave his possessions to the poor. He was an illustrious preacher, and through his sermons brought Augustine to the faith and baptized him.
Candid and fearless no matter how strong the opposition, Ambrose was directed to confront Maximus, the murderer of the Emperor Gratian. When Maximus refused to do penance, Ambrose excommunicated him. Later he denied Emperor Theodosius entrance into church for his massacre of the inhabitants of Thessalonica. It was on this occasion that allusion was made to [King] David as a murderer and adulterer, and Ambrose retorted: "You have followed him in sin, now follow him in repentance." Humbly, Theodosius accepted the penance imposed.
We often meet this saint in the Divine Office as a teacher and as an inspired composer of hyms (fourteen of the hymns attributed to him are definitely authentic, true pearls of religious poetry). His writings are vibrant with ancient Christian liturgical spirit, for his life was wholly rooted in mystery and sacrament. We can profit greatly by reading Ambrose's works. He is one of the four great Latin Doctors of the Church.
Excerpted from The Church's Year of Grace, Pius Parsch
Patron: bee keepers; bees; candlemakers; chandlers; domestic animals; French Commissariat; learning; Milan, Italy; schoolchildren; students; wax melters; wax refiners.
Symbols: Scourge; beehive; tower; dove; cope and mitre; human bones; scroll with staff of music; pen book and pen; cross; chalice; bull; knotted scourge; two scourges; goose; writing tablet and stylus; heart surmounted with flame; scroll with quotation from writings.
Often Portrayed As: Bishop holding a church in his hand; beehive; man arguing with a pagan; with Saint Gregory the Great, Saint Jerome and Saint Augustine of Hippo.
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Born to the Roman nobility. Brother of Saint Marcellina and Saint Satyrus. Educated in the classics, Greek, and philosophy at Rome, Italy. Poet and noted orator. Convert to Christianity. Governor of Milan, Italy.
When the bishop of Milan died, a dispute over his replacement led to violence. Ambrose intervened to calm both sides; he impressed everyone involved so much that though he was still an unbaptized catechumen, he was chosen as the new bishop. He resisted, claiming that he was not worthy, but to prevent further violence, he assented, and on 7 December 374 he was baptized, ordained as a priest, and consecrated as bishop. He immediately gave away his wealth to the Church and the poor, both for the good it did, and as an example to his flock.
Noted preacher and teacher, a Bible student of renown, and writer of liturgical hymns. He stood firm against paganism and Arians. His preaching helped convert Saint Augustine of Hippo, whom Ambrose baptized and brought into the Church. Ambrose’s preaching brought Emperor Theodosius to do public penance for his sins. He called and chaired several theological councils during his time as bishop, many devoted to fighting heresy. Welcomed Saint Ursus and Saint Alban of Mainz when they fled Naxos to escape Arian persecution, and then sent them on to evangelize in Gaul and Germany. Proclaimed a great Doctor of the Latin Church by Pope Boniface VIII in 1298.
The title Honey Tongued Doctor was initially bestowed on Ambrose because of his speaking and preaching ability; this led to the use of a beehive and bees in his iconography, symbols which also indicate wisdom. This led to his association with bees, beekeepers, chandlers, wax refiners, etc.
Born
Readings
No one heals himself by wounding another. – Saint Ambrose
Our own evil inclinations are far more dangerous than any external enemies. – Saint Ambrose
But if these beings angels guard you, they do so because they have been summoned by your prayers. – Saint Ambrose
The Church of the Lord is built upon the rock of the apostles among so many dangers in the world; it therefore remains unmoved. The Church’s foundation is unshakable and firm against assaults of the raging sea. Waves lash at the Church but do not shatter it. Although the elements of this world constantly beat upon the Church with crashing sounds, the Church possesses the safest harbor of salvation for all in distress.
There is a stream which flows down on God’s saints like a torrent. There is also a rushing river giving joy to the heart that is at peace and makes for peace.
He who read much and understands much, receives his fill. He who is full, refreshes others. So Scripture says: “If the clouds are full, they will pour rain upon the earth.”
Therefore, let your words be rivers, clean and limpid, so that you may charm the ears of people. And by the grace of your words win them over to follow your leadership. Solomon says: “The weapons of the understanding are the lips of the wise”; and in another place he says: “Let your lips be bound with wisdom.” That is, let the meaning of your words shine forth, let understanding blaze out. Let no word escape your lips in vain or be uttered without depth of meaning. – from a letter by Saint Ambrose
To avoid dissensions we should be ever on our guard, more especially with those who drive us to argue with them, with those who vex and irritate us, and who say things likely to excite us to anger. When we find ourselves in company with quarrelsome, eccentric individuals, people who openly and unblushingly say the most shocking things, difficult to put up with, we should take refuge in silence, and the wisest plan is not to reply to people whose behavior is so preposterous. Those who insult us and treat us contumeliously are anxious for a spiteful and sarcastic reply: the silence we then affect disheartens them, and they cannot avoid showing their vexation; they do all they can to provoke us and to elicit a reply, but the best way to baffle them is to say nothing, refuse to argue with them, and to leave them to chew the cud of their hasty anger. This method of bringing down their pride disarms them, and shows them plainly that we slight and despise them. – Saint Ambrose, Offices
Saint Ambrose, Bishop and Doctor of the Church (Memorial)
Their eyes were opened. (Matthew 9:30)
“Seeing” is central to all of today’s Scripture readings. The psalmist expresses confidence that he will live long enough to see God’s bounty (27:13). Isaiah predicts that “the eyes of the blind shall see” (29:18). And Jesus fulfills this prophecy by restoring sight to two blind men in today’s Gospel. Maybe we should make this theme of “seeing” one of our Advent prayers: Open our eyes, Lord. Help us to see!
God opens our eyes to his presence in and around us in two basic ways. First, he shows us who he is, and second, he shows us how to act.
It’s not too hard to see ways that God has opened your eyes like this. Here are some examples of how he shows us who he is: Maybe as you were taking a walk, you felt your hope lifting as you passed by a beautiful flower garden. Or you felt worry slipping away as you held your new grandchild. Or after spending time in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, you felt a new sense of joy or contentment.
As for opening your eyes to how you can act, maybe God helped you glimpse a solution to a dilemma you were facing, like how to deal with a difficult employee. Or maybe you didn’t know how to approach a problem with your son, but you suddenly felt inspired with a deeper courage and trust in God’s care for both of you. Maybe you have experienced a new sense of compassion for someone who has hurt you, and you have finally found the ability to forgive.
All of these examples, and so many more, have the potential to open your eyes to God’s hand at work in your life. Little by little, as you pay attention to these movements of the Spirit, you’ll find your sense of hope and enthusiasm growing. Your faith will deepen, and you’ll become more convinced that you are not alone.
God wants to open all of our eyes to his presence with us. He wants to help us see other people—and ourselves—the way he sees us. So let’s keep praying through this Advent:
“Open my eyes, Lord. Help me to see!”
Isaiah 29:17-24
Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14
Saint Maximus of Turin (?-c.420)
Bishop
Sermon 53, on Ps 117[118] ; PL 57, 361
"He was the true light who enlightens everyone, coming into the world" (Jn 1:9)
This "day which the Lord has made" (117[118]:24) penetrates all things, contains all things and simultaneously embraces heaven, earth and the underworld! The light which is Christ is neither hindered by walls nor broken by the elements nor darkened by shadow. Yes, I say, the light of Christ is a day without night, a day without end, shining everywhere, extending everywhere, remaining everywhere. Christ is day, says the apostle Paul: "The night is advanced, the day is near" (Rm 13:12). The night is advanced, he says, it precedes the day. Understand by this that, as soon as the light of Christ appears, the darkness of the devil is dispersed and the night of sin does not follow, eternal splendor casts out the shadows of yesterday and halts the insinuating advance of evil.
Scripture attests that the day of Christ illumines heaven, earth and hell. It shines on the earth: "He was the true light" says saint John, "who enlightens everyone, coming into the world" (Jn 1:9). It gives light in the underworld: "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light;" says the prophet, "upon those who lived in a land of gloom a light has shone" (Is 9:1). And in heaven this day remains, as David said: "His dynasty will continue forever, his throne like the sun before me" (Ps 89:37).
Daily Marriage Tip for December 7, 2018:
Holiday traditions tip #1: For newlyweds, blending each other’s Advent and Christmas traditions is fun but also challenging. Take time to learn what your spouse’s childhood traditions are, and why they matter to him or her.
Matthew 9:27-31
As Jesus passed by, two blind men followed him, crying out, “Son of David, have pity on us!” When he entered the house, the blind men approached him and Jesus said to them,
“Do you believe that I can do this?” “Yes, Lord,” they said to him. Then he touched their eyes and said, “Let it be done for you according to your faith.” And their eyes were opened. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one knows about this.” But they went out and spread word of him through all that land.
Introductory Prayer: Lord Jesus, I want to begin this prayer with the same attitude that these two blind men demonstrated. I approach you with humility and full knowledge of my sins. I do not try to hide them—you already know them through and through. Instead, I repent of them and offer you a contrite heart that longs for your healing touch of mercy.
Petition: Lord Jesus, help me to see as you see.
Conversation with Christ: Lord, your ways are not our ways. You see good where we may only see evil. I need a vision of faith so I can interpret actions and events with an attitude of confidence and gratitude. You are in charge. I trust in you and want to convince many others to confide in you as well.
Resolution: I will offer a word or gesture of encouragement to somebody in need.
Sickness is part and parcel of human life. We get sick because of our genetic heritage; bacteria and viruses can bring serious sickness and disorder in our bodies. Indeed good health is a great gift from God.
Sickness, though difficult, provides opportunities for others to help and serve the sick. Mothers and families provide incessantly to restore sick members to health. Hospitals, doctors and nurses provide professional care for the more seriously ill.
In earlier times, as in the time of Jesus, many saw illness as a punishment from God. Lepers were isolated from society to avoid contamination and spread of leprosy.
In the first reading the prophet Isaiah tells us that among the signs and gifts of the coming of the Messiah will be to restore sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf and mute, even life to the dead and the preaching of the Good News to the poor. Messianic times will be time for order, peace and beauty.
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