St. Ambrose was an outstanding defender of the faith in the 4th century when the Arian heresy was running rampant in the land. He was well educated in his youth - and took to the study of philosophy and law - he was a great arbiter and seeker of peaceful resolutions. When the bishop of Milan died in 374 - who was an Arian himself - a riot broke out in the town square as to who would be his successor. Would it be an Arian? or a Catholic? Ambrose tried to organize and help the crowd find a suitable resolution to the problem. Then someone yelled: “Ambrose for bishop!” And that’s all it took! He was soon thereafter ordained Bishop of Milan on December 7, 374.
He worked tirelessly to help the poor and to counter the Arian threat. This involved going head to head with the Emperor on several occasions - as the emperor was pro-Arian. But in the end Ambrose, having the wisdom, grace and words of God on his side always prevailed. His writings earned him the title Doctor of the Church!
The first reading today tells of how Paul was entrusted with the task of bringing the true wisdom of God to the Gentiles - just as, now, Ambrose was entrusted with the same task of confidently and boldly proclaiming the divinity of Christ in a land of unfaithful people!
Ambrose’s job was really not all that difficult in theory - because when the Good Shepherd speaks, the sheep who really belong to him hear his voice. When a bad shepherd speaks, there is confusion and chaos in the flock. Ambrose knew that all he had to do was to keep speaking gently, consistently and confidently - with the authority of the One Good Shepherd, whose representative he was - and all would be well. Eventually all was well. And the Arian heresy was suppressed.
May we today be faithful to following the directions given by the same Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ, as he speaks to us in many ways - but most especially by the instrumentality of the Church itself!
And may we pray for unity in the flock! That there may be one flock and one shepherd! A great many heresies still exist in our day - and prayer is the first line of defense against them! Give us your peace Lord. Give us your truth! Give us unity!
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