Today the Church remembers St. Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, and friend of our own St. Augustine, Bishop of Hippo.
Ambrose had a successful career as a lawyer; he was governor of Milan and then thrust into being Bishop of Milan. In 374, the Bishop of Milan died. The recently deceased bishop had supported the heresy that said Jesus was not divine. Who would take the dead bishop’s place – someone who didn’t believe Jesus was also divine or someone who believed Jesus was true God and true man? Both sides met in the cathedral and a riot broke out.
Since public order was Ambrose's responsibility as governor, he hurried to the cathedral and made a passionate speech not in favor of either side, but in favor of peace. He begged the people to make their choice without fighting; they urged them to use restraint and moderation.
Suddenly, while he was speaking, a voice called out, "Ambrose for bishop!" Soon everyone was shouting, "Ambrose for bishop!"
The other bishops of the province were only too happy to have the controversial decision taken out of their hands, but Ambrose was not about to give up a successful career for the dangerous position of bishop - a life- threatening occupation in those days. So Ambrose ran away.
When Ambrose appealed to the Emperor to overturn the decision on the basis that he had not even been baptized yet, the Emperor answered that he was happy that he chose governors fit for the Episcopal office. At the age of 33, Ambrose was baptized, ordained deacon, ordained priest and ordained bishop in one week!
Ambrose died on this day in 397.
Let us pray: O God, who gave your servant Ambrose grace eloquently to proclaim your righteousness in the great congregation, and fearlessly to bear reproach for the honor of your Name: Mercifully grant to all bishops and pastors such excellence in preaching and faithfulness in ministering your Word, that your people may be partakers with them of the glory that shall be revealed; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
CALENDAR REMINDERS
We remember on this day all of those who perished at the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, and for everyone who has given their life in service to their country.
The Advent Series (Hope, Peace, Joy and Love) continues every Sunday after the service.
Please remember everyone on our Prayer List, especially Katie, Roylene, Robert, the unemployed, the poor, the weary, the depressed, the lonely, and those who have no one to pray for them.
The Church's foundation is unshakable and firm against the assaults of the raging sea. Waves lash at the Church but do not shatter it. Although the elements of this world constantly batter and crash against her, she offers the safest harbor of salvation for all in distress. —Ambrose (339-397)
Your servant in Christ,
Fr. Chester J. Makowski+
St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church
Galveston, Texas 77550
Ambrose had a successful career as a lawyer; he was governor of Milan and then thrust into being Bishop of Milan. In 374, the Bishop of Milan died. The recently deceased bishop had supported the heresy that said Jesus was not divine. Who would take the dead bishop’s place – someone who didn’t believe Jesus was also divine or someone who believed Jesus was true God and true man? Both sides met in the cathedral and a riot broke out.
Since public order was Ambrose's responsibility as governor, he hurried to the cathedral and made a passionate speech not in favor of either side, but in favor of peace. He begged the people to make their choice without fighting; they urged them to use restraint and moderation.
Suddenly, while he was speaking, a voice called out, "Ambrose for bishop!" Soon everyone was shouting, "Ambrose for bishop!"
The other bishops of the province were only too happy to have the controversial decision taken out of their hands, but Ambrose was not about to give up a successful career for the dangerous position of bishop - a life- threatening occupation in those days. So Ambrose ran away.
When Ambrose appealed to the Emperor to overturn the decision on the basis that he had not even been baptized yet, the Emperor answered that he was happy that he chose governors fit for the Episcopal office. At the age of 33, Ambrose was baptized, ordained deacon, ordained priest and ordained bishop in one week!
Ambrose died on this day in 397.
Let us pray: O God, who gave your servant Ambrose grace eloquently to proclaim your righteousness in the great congregation, and fearlessly to bear reproach for the honor of your Name: Mercifully grant to all bishops and pastors such excellence in preaching and faithfulness in ministering your Word, that your people may be partakers with them of the glory that shall be revealed; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
CALENDAR REMINDERS
We remember on this day all of those who perished at the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, and for everyone who has given their life in service to their country.
The Advent Series (Hope, Peace, Joy and Love) continues every Sunday after the service.
Please remember everyone on our Prayer List, especially Katie, Roylene, Robert, the unemployed, the poor, the weary, the depressed, the lonely, and those who have no one to pray for them.
The Church's foundation is unshakable and firm against the assaults of the raging sea. Waves lash at the Church but do not shatter it. Although the elements of this world constantly batter and crash against her, she offers the safest harbor of salvation for all in distress. —Ambrose (339-397)
Your servant in Christ,
Fr. Chester J. Makowski+
St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church
Galveston, Texas 77550
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