Advent 2 - Feast of Ambrose of Milan - December 7, 2011

Text: Luke 12:35-37, 42-44 (see below)

The fourth century of the Common Era witnessed some of the greatest leaders ever to be known in Christendom. Today, the Church remembers a man who is regarded as one of Eight Great Doctors of the Church. Ambrose of Milan was a wealthy governor when he was chosen bishop in the Church during a dispute between the followers of Arius and Athanasius. Following his election, he claimed a life of poverty and lived in simplicity. Ambrose converted many persons to the Christian faith (most notably Augustine of Hippo), stood up to Emperors, and for many years was regarded as the author of the great hymn Te Deum Laudamus (this is no longer the case).

The lesson from Luke’s Gospel calls the reader to be ready and watchful. Disciples of Jesus are to be prepared and equipped to give an account of the faith to which they profess. We never really know when that moment will occur. It could happen during a simple conversation with a friend or in a dramatic moment that we least expect. The point is that we need to be prepared.

Jim Fenhagen, the former Dean of General Seminary, was fond of telling the following story: One afternoon, a man entered the hospital to visit a friend who was recuperating from surgery. As he got off the elevator and made his way down the hall, he noticed another man leaving another room who was obviously distraught. The first man recognized the other as a member of his church where they both attended the early service. The man came up to the man who had slumped against the wall. “Bill, what has happened?” he asked. The man told him that his wife had just died. In his grief, the man said, “I need my church.” The first man looked at him and without hesitation said, “I am your church.” He then went on to witness to the grief-stricken man the rest of the afternoon.

In this season of preparation for the coming of the Christ, what must I do to prepare myself so that I can be ready to give an account of the faith to which I profess?

Love One Another – Brian

December 7 is also the 70^th Anniversary of the Attack on Pearl Harbor. Take a moment to remember those men and women who gave their lives that day for the freedom which we enjoy.

The Only Task

Elizabeth O'Connor

We have come to know that building up the church of Jesus Christ is the only task which has significance. In it we can find ultimate meaning. We are not looking for that thing which may happen next week, next month, or next year. We believe ourselves to be engaged this very moment in that which is the hope of the world. Our commitment is to the Lord of that redemptive community which has the task of pushing back its boundaries until it holds the world. There will be no peace or healing in our day unless little islands of koinonia can spring up everywhere--islands where Christ is, and because he is we can learn to live in a new way.

Source: Call to Commitment

Luke 12:35-37, 42-44

Jesus said: “Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit; be like those who are waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that they may open the door for him as soon as he comes and knocks. Blessed are those slaves whom the master finds alert when he comes; truly I tell you, he will fasten his belt and have them sit down to eat, and he will come and serve them.” And the Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and prudent manager whom his master will put in charge of his slaves, to give them their allowance of food at the proper time? Blessed is that slave whom his master will find at work when he arrives. Truly I tell you, he will put that one in charge of all his possessions.”