Thursday of the First Week of Advent:

Ambrose ! Bishop ! Ambrose ! Bishop !

The crowd chanted in unison as they chose Ambrose to fulfill the Milan bishop seat. In the fourth century, the Church was going through a time of division, leaving two sides unable to decide on who would fill the position. Ambrose, a governor, gave a resounding speech at the beginning of the election about unity and keeping the peace, such that the entire group spontaneously joined together in support of him. And so, as anyone would, Ambrose ran. He hid away at a friend’s house, thinking the people were crazy for nominating him since he wasn’t even Catholic !

It’s not always easy to answer the Call of the Lord, even when it is literally loud and clear. Often, we are confused, sometimes hoping we didn’t hear it right. Consider what Ambrose thought, hearing the people nominate him for the job ! Why me Lord ? Someone who isn’t a part of this group ? Someone who knows nothing ? Are you sure ? (Really- his thoughts were probably closer to W.T.Flip)

After a night, his friend turned him in and within a few days Ambrose was baptized, ordained, and appointed all at once. Even after accepting, how intimidating it must have been, to be thrust into a position while feeling woefully underprepared. Most people would shy away, afraid of failure and the challenges to come. But like Jesus preaches, “The rain fell, the floods came, and the wind blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse.”

Ambrose dove into his position, giving away his wealth and dedicating himself to study, recognizing if he was going to lead God’s people, he needed to know God deeply. Talk about listening to God’s word and acting on it. He was a leader in upholding church doctrine and acting consistency. He dedicated himself to service, of God and the poor. St. Ambrose was named a doctor of the church, and he inspired the conversion of Augustine of Hippo, who himself became a doctor of the church. St. Ambrose is an inspiring example of the unknowable and humorous plan of God, and the wonderful things that happen when you actively decide to join in.

It's going to be scary, listening to God’s call. And even harder to act on it. But God brings great things from humble places. The Greatest One from a manger. So, the next time you feel God might be out of His mind, remember the winds may blow, but the house will remain.

This advent, let us reflect on answering God’s call, pray for loud and clear guidance, and thank the friends who help us along the way.