Born in Trier in AD
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, a 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
AD 374, Ambrose addressed the crowd, and someone cried out, “Ambrose, bishop!”
The entire gathering gave their support. This acclaim of Ambrose, a
thirty-four-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 AD 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. [Commission on Worship of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod]
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. Amen.
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