Advent 2009
December 7 – Monday, feast of St. Ambrose, Bishop and Teacher
Today's thought
History shows that the present is not set in stone for things were often done differently in the past. There is a case in point with the saint we celebrate today.
In the year 374, and while he was still a catechumen under instruction to become a Christian, Ambrose was chosen bishop of Milan through the acclamation of the people. He was soon baptised and ordained bishop. Ambrose went on to receive St. Augustine into the Christian community and today he is venerated among Christianity’s great teachers – a doctor of the Church.
Scripture
Jesus said to the paralysed man – ‘I order you: get up and pick up your stretcher and go home. And immediately, before their very eyes he got up, picked up what he had been lying on and went home praising God. The people were all astounded and praised God, and were filled with awe saying, ‘We have seen strange things today’- Luke 5:24b-26
Prayer
As we wait upon the coming of your Son, we ask you Father that the Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead will raise up all humanity. May the freedom broken open by Christ for the world be now poured out on it through his glorious resurrection. We ask you this through Christ our Lord. Amen
Poetry extract
In our city of lost alphabets- From “Morning Song and Evening Walk – No4” by Sonya Sanchez
where only eyes strengthen the children
you spoke like Peter like John
you fisherman of tongues
untangling our wings …?