Today we remember and gives thanks for Ambrose of Milan, Pastor and Hymnwriter. Born in Trier in A.D. 340, Ambrose was one of the four great Latin Doctors of the Church (with Augustine, Jerome, and Gregory the Great). He was a prolific author of hymns, the most common of which is Veni, Redemptor gentium (“Savior of the Nations, Come”). His name is also associated with Ambrosian Chant, the style of chanting the ancient liturgy that took hold in the province of Milan. While serving as a civil governor, Ambrose sought to bring peace among Christians in Milan who were divided into quarreling factions. When a new bishop was to be elected in 374, Ambrose addressed the crowd, and someone cried out, “Ambrose, bishop!” The entire gathering gave their support. This acclaim of Ambrose, a 34-year-old catechumen, led to his baptism on December 7, after which he was consecrated bishop of Milan. A strong defender of the faith, Ambrose convinced the Roman emperor Gratian in 379 to forbid the Arian heresy in the West. At Ambrose’s urging, Gratian’s successor, Theodosius, also publicly opposed Arianism. Ambrose died on Good Friday, April 4, 397. As a courageous doctor and musician he upheld the truth of God’s Word.
Collect
of the Day:
O God, You gave Your servant Ambrose grace to proclaim the Gospel
with eloquence and power. As bishop of
the great congregation of Milan, he fearlessly bore reproach for the honor of
Your name. Mercifully grant to all bishops and pastors such excellence in
preaching and fidelity in ministering Your Word that Your people shall be
partakers of the divine nature; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and
reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
(Treasury of Daily Prayer, 992-993; Concordia
Publishing House)
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