Not every wish is good, but the wise man wishes only that which is good; he hates evil for he chooses what is good. Because he chooses what is good he is master of his choice, and because he chooses his work he is free.
Saint Ambrose of Milan
That Which Is Good
Topic: Virtue, Morality, & Ethics
“The wise man is always free; he is always held in honor; he is always master of the laws. The law is not made for the just, but for the unjust. The just man is a law unto himself and he does not need to summon the law from afar, for he carries it enclosed in his heart, having the law [of God] written on the tablets of his heart…
The wise man is free, since one who does as he wishes is free. Not every wish is good, but the wise man wishes only that which is good; he hates evil for he chooses what is good. Because he chooses what is good he is master of his choice, and because he chooses his work he is free.“
Saint Ambrose, known as Aurelius Ambrosius, was born around the year 340 in the region of Trier, Germany, into a Roman Christian family of high standing. His father was a prefect of Gaul, a significant imperial post, which provided Ambrose with a well-rounded education and notable connections from a young age. Upon his father's passing, the family relocated to Rome, where Ambrose pursued further studies in law and rhetoric. His abilities soon caught the attention of the Roman authorities, and before reaching the age of 40, he found himself appointed as the Governor of Liguria and Emilia with residence in Milan.
In Milan, a crucial turning point awaited Ambrose. The year 374 marked his unexpected election as Bishop of Milan, despite his status as a catechumen, one not yet baptized into the faith. His deep sense of duty compelled him to accept the responsibility, leading him to get baptized and thereafter ordained. As Bishop, Ambrose became a staunch defender of Nicene Christianity against Arianism and worked tirelessly to promote orthodoxy and moral integrity within the ecclesiastical and secular realms. His ecclesiastical career was marked by fervent pastoral care, eloquent preaching, and a dedication to the moral life of his flock.
Saint Ambrose's righteous example and eloquence were influential far beyond his diocese. One of the most notable instances of his enduring impact was upon Saint Augustine of Hippo, who was moved towards Christian conversion partly due to the virtuous life and teachings of Ambrose. Cardinal Newman recounts this transformative interaction in his "Historical Sketches," shedding light on the depth of Ambrose's influence. Through his gentle yet firm guidance, Ambrose not only led individuals like Augustine toward a deeper understanding of Christian faith but also left a lasting imprint on the theological and ecclesiastical landscape of his time.
Wilson, Andrew, editor. World Scripture II. Universal Peace Federation, 2011, p. 1064 [Saint Ambrose of Milan, Letter 54].
Saint Ambrose of Milan
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Saint Ambrose of Milan, Letter 54
Saint Ambrose of Milan and Saint Augustine
Pope Benedict XVI wrote the following passage in 2007 about the relationship between Saint Ambrose and Saint Augustine:
What moved the heart of the young African rhetorician, skeptic and downhearted, and what impelled him to definitive conversion was not above all Ambrose’s splendid homilies (although he deeply appreciated them). It was rather the testimony of the Bishop and his Milanese Church that prayed and sang as one intact body. It was a Church that could resist the tyrannical ploys of the Emperor and his mother, who in early 386 again demanded a church building for the Arians’ celebrations. In the building that was to be requisitioned, Augustine relates, “the devout people watched, ready to die with their Bishop…” This testimony of the Confessions is precious because it points out that something was moving in Augustine, who continues: “We too, although spiritually tepid, shared in the excitement of the whole people.” –Saint Augustine [Confessions 9, 7].
–Dr. Jeff Mirus [St. Ambrose’s impact on St. Augustine: Excerpts from The Confessions].