Our Holy Father Ambrose, Bishop of Milan (397)
2 Timothy 2:20-26; Luke 19:37-44
Nativity Fast.
Read 2 Timothy 2:20-26
When I was a little boy, I remember that we had a special cabinet in the dining/living room that contained special dishes, glasses (gold-rimmed), and utensils for incredibly special occasions. We used them at Christmas, Easter, and other important family events. We also had the dishes, glasses, and utensils for everyday use, and even some that hid in the laundry room and garage that were used for gardening, cleaning, and even waste removal.
The Church is like this. All of us can be likened to this dinnerware, etc. And all of us can become better, consecrated to be used by the Master if we work at it – we can become those gold-rimmed glasses! Each of us must mature in our faith. We cannot hold onto youthful passions (which are often self-centred and tenacious). Love cannot be understood as some passing warmth. Rather, it must be determined in serving others without self-reference (agape). It must be a deep striving for peace in one’s heart and in all relationships. We must let go and depart from false teachings of the world and while doing so, rout out all bickering among friend and foe.
Maturation in the faith can be summed in one word – repentance. Repentance is seeking the Lord while turning from sin and temptation and conditions that foment such. It is seeking the truth and discerning such with all charity.
May the Lord grant this all of us!