Homily for the Memorial of Saint
Ambrose, B.D (7th December, 2015)
(Monday of the Second Week of Advent
(II)) on the Gospel and the Memorial
Ps 84:9-14 (R. Is 35:4)
Lk 5:17-26.
Saint Ambrose was born about 339 at Trier and was elected Bishop when he was still a catechumen. He accepted the position after hesitation. Ambrose became a famous preacher and defender of the faith. He received Saint Augustine into the Church. He fought paganism and also protected the Church against political power. Saint Ambrose was a Christian bishop of great faith and energy.
Topic: Your sins are forgiven.
Jesus was teaching in today’s gospel when some men brought to
Him a paralyzed man. They let the man down through the roof because the crowd
made it impossible to pass through the door. Seeing their faith Jesus said to
the paralyzed man “My Friend, your sins are forgiven you” (Lk 5:20). Although the scribes and the Pharisees questioned in
their ignorance but the paralyzed man so much needed the forgiveness of his
sins.
Based on the Old Testament, the Jews believed that bodily
diseases are connected to sin. Hence, Jesus’ disciples asked him of the man
blind from birth: “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents...?” (Jn 9:2). And for the Pharisees he was
born entirely in sins, cf. Jn 9:34. Unfortunately,
the main effect of sin we ought to be afraid of is not bodily ailments, because
ultimately sin leads to death, cf. Prov
12:28; Matt 10:28.
Sin has paralyzed us in various ways, cf. Jn 8:34. So as we prepare for Christ we
should remember that sacramental confession is very important. Saint Ambrose readmitted
the Roman Emperor Theodosius I to the sacraments after some months of penance. Again,
Saint Ambrose hesitated before accepting the bishopric but he turned out to be
a veritable instrument in the hand of God. In the same vein, you might have your
reasons why sacramental confession is not important or should not be now. But I
assure you that Jesus Christ Himself is waiting for you to come and be healed
because you are His friend, cf. Jn 15:15.
Bible Reading: Jn 20:19-23.
Thought for today: Christ is waiting for you to come.
Let us pray: Lord, forgive us all our sins as we
approach your throne of mercy – Amen.
Saint Ambrose – Pray for us.
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