Wednesday, December 7, 2022

Memorial of Saint Ambrose, bishop and doctor of the church

(Isaiah 40:25-31; Matthew 11:28-30)

In the movie “Chariots of Fire” a Christian sprinter from Scotland refuses to race on Sunday and thus apparently has lost his opportunity to win an Olympic medal.  Then one of his teammates gives the athlete his slot in a longer race.  The sprinter is supposed to peter out by the end of the race.  However, he wins it for the gold medal.  An American rival of the sprinter’s team sends him a note with a verse from today’s first reading: “They that hope in the LORD will renew their strength, they will soar as with eagles’ wings.  They will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint.”

An event in the life of St. Ambrose illustrates his own hope in the Lord.  Ambrose was the governor of a large portion of northern Italy.  Because of his virtue, the people elected him Bishop of Milan at a contentious time in Church affairs.  He quickly gave his family wealth to the poor and lived ascetically during his long episcopacy.  As Isaiah promises, Ambrose soared as a churchman.  He is considered one of the four great Latin Church fathers.

The reading from Isaiah is meant to complement the gospel passage in which Jesus says that he will renew the strength of those who come to him.  We should not doubt that.  When life becomes especially challenging, we can turn to him with prayer and confidence.  We will set our spirits soaring and our hearts relieved.

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