Quote/s of the Day – 7 December – The Memorial of St Ambrose (c 340-397)- Father and Doctor of the Church
“The Church of the Lord is built upon the rock
of the apostles among so many dangers in the world;
it therefore remains unmoved.
The Church’s foundation is unshakable and firm
against assaults of the raging sea.
Waves lash at the Church but do not shatter it.
Although the elements of this world, constantly beat
upon the Church with crashing sounds,
the Church possesses the safest harbour
of salvation for all in distress.”
“Rise, you who were lying fast asleep…
Rise and hurry to the Church:
here is the Father,
here is the Son,
here is the Holy Spirit.”
“It is a better thing
to save souls for the Lord,
than to save treasures.
He who sent forth
His apostles without gold,
He had not need of gold
to form His Church.
The Church possesses gold,
not to hoard
but to scatter abroad
and come to the aid
of the unfortunate.”
“When we speak about WISDOM,
we are speaking about CHRIST.
When we speak about VIRTUE,
we are speaking about CHRIST.
When we speak about JUSTICE,
we are speaking about CHRIST.
When we speak about PEACE,
we are speaking about CHRISTt.
When we speak about TRUTH,
and LIFE and REDEMPTION,
we are speaking about CHRIST.”
“If it is “daily bread,” why do you take it once a year? . . .
Take daily what is to profit you daily.
Live in such a way that you may deserve
to receive it daily.
He who does not deserve to receive it daily,
does not deserve to receive it once a year.”
“Let your door stand open
to receive Him,
unlock your soul to Him,
offer Him a welcome in your mind
and then you will see
the riches of simplicity,
the treasures of peace,
the joy of grace.
Throw wide the gate of your heart,
stand before the sun of the everlasting light.”
“…He, who forgave all, required of all,
that what every one remembers
to have been forgiven to himself,
he also should forgive others.”
“The devil tempts, that he may ruin;
God tests, that He may crown.”
“The rich man who gives to the poor
does not bestow alms but pays a debt.”
“Therefore, let your words be rivers, clean and limpid,
so that you may charm the ears of people.
And by the grace of your words win them over
to follow your leadership.
…. That is, let the meaning of your words shine forth,
let understanding blaze out.
Let no word escape your lips in vain or be uttered,
without depth of meaning.” – from a letter by Saint Ambrose
AnaStpaul 