Friday, August 23, 2024

Wisdom from St. Ambrose

Woe to the rebellious children, says the Lord,  
Who carry out plans that are not mine, 
who weave webs that are not inspired by me, 
adding sin upon sin. ~ Isaiah 30:1ff

Yeah, Isaiah, that pretty much sums it up.  Let the Lord drive! 

I was born on the Feast of St. Ambrose and am, like Monica, a widow praying for her children. So, I am always especially attentive when he speaks in our daily reading. Today, he discusses Psalm 49:7 and addresses our need for redemption.

We rarely hear the word "redeem" in every day discourse, unless redeeming a coupon for some good. I guess that analogy fits:  we ourselves are just a promise of something more, and we are set free by the Christ to fulfill God's purpose in us:

...He alone will redeem man, showing love greater even than that of brothers. He poured out his blood for strangers, as no one is able to do for a brother. He did not spare his own body in redeeming us from sin, but gave himself as the redemption of all...

 O Lord, grant that I may always give thanks for our redemption and be obedient - not rebellious - to Your plans for me through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

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