Make the angels rejoice; Angels: 280

Last updated on: April 29, 2017 at 3:30 am by Pete Socks

Make the angels rejoice; Angels: 280 2017-04-23T10:25:16-05:00 Pete Socks

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St. Ambrose, bishop of the empire’s administrative capital of Milan, was never shy about advising even the Emperor in his religious duties. Here he reminds the Emperor that his power was given to him by God, not earned. He should use that power to make the angels rejoice.

So since you know, Emperor (for now I’m not only going to talk about you but address myself to you), how severe the Lord’s censures can be, you must take care, in proportion as you become more illustrious, to submit so much the more humbly to your Maker. For it is written: When the Lord your God has brought you into a foreign land, and you eat the fruits of others, do not say, “By my own strength and righteousness I obtained these things,” but, “The Lord God gave them to me, Christ in his mercy conferred them on me” (a paraphrase of Deut. 9:4).

So love the body of Christ—that is, the Church. Pour water on his feet and kiss them. In that way, you will not only absolve those who have been taken in sin, but in giving to them peace you will bring them into agreement and restore to them rest. Pour ointment on his feet, so that the whole house where Christ sits at supper may be filled with the odor of your ointment, and let all who sit at supper with him rejoice in your fragrance.

What I mean is this: pay such regard even to the lowest, that in their absolu- tion the angels may rejoice—as they do over one sinner that repents—and the Apostles may be glad, and the prophets may exult.

For the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” Since, therefore, each member is necessary, protect the whole body of the Lord Jesus, so that he, in his divine mercy, may also protect your kingdom.

–St. Ambrose, Letter 41, 26

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .

How do I use whatever power God has given me—in my job, or in my family, or in my church? Does the way I use my power, however humble it may be, make the angels rejoice to see it?

CLOSING PRAYER

Holy angels, give me wisdom to understand God’s gifts, and the strength to serve him along with you.

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