Memorial of Saint Ambrose, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
“The day we stop learning is the day we die,” my father used to say. It took a long time before I really understood that he meant that on so many levels. He tried to teach me this in different settings but it did not sink in until after he had died. It is sad that only the that wake that I began to understand the depth and meaning of that loving message.
Isaiah calls out to the Israelites, who are likely in exile Babylon, with words to focus the people back on the Lord. “Lift up your eyes on high and see who has created these things.” The prophet wants them to notice that God’s strength will be upon those who believe. The words challenge the doubt and lack of trust that the children of Jacob had for the Lord.
God is so good that “he does not faint or grow weary, and his knowledge is beyond scrutiny.” How often during this busy season of preparation do we grow weary, or place our strength in worldly things. Perhaps the darkness of the world saps our strength and hope because we do not see beyond the nightfall. Yet the scripture promises “they that hope in the Lord will renew their strength.” Yet do we truly think, talk and act like we believe this promise.
Today’s gospel challenges us to yoke ourselves to the Lord. There are times we find ourselves relying only on our self, sometimes we call this sin of pride. It is at times like these we grow weary because we have forgotten the true source of our strength. When we yoke our self to the Lord, our burdens are halved because we are not carrying them alone. The yoke not only helps the Lord share our burden it also helps guide us to hope in the Lord and ultimately follow God’s will for us. When we surrender our lives over to Him completely, then we will be at peace and our burdens will be light.
Thank you Lord for giving us the examples of people like Fr. Joseph Tedesco S.M., who suffered greatly at times, still spiritually he was yoked to Mary and to her Son. Like Ambrose whose feast we celebrate today, “Teddy” was a student of life and loved to share his learnings through his preaching. Fr. Joe, now your burden is truly light.
Lord, today as we continue our Advent journey help us in one particular way to yoke ourselves to You. Strengthen us and open our hearts during this Advent season so that our souls will find rest and hope in the coming of Your Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen!
-Deacon Michael Montgomery