A 4th-century doctor of the Church, St. Ambrose is best known for his influence on St. Augustine, and his many writings have remained an inspiration throughout the centuries.
In particular, St. Ambrose was never one to mince words and presented the truth in simple clarity. When it came to charity towards others, he spoke plainly and challenged his listeners to live the Gospel message with full heroism.
Here are five quotes from St. Ambrose that may cut through our own heart and force us to examine our lives and how we love our neighbor.
Do not desert a friend in time of need, nor forsake him nor fail him, for friendship is the support of life.If friends in prosperity help friends, why do they not also in times of adversity offer their support? Let us aid by giving counsel, let us offer our best endeavors, let us sympathize with them with all our heart.There is your brother, naked, crying, and you stand there confused over the choice of an attractive floor covering.It is a better thing to save souls for the Lord than to save treasures. He who sent forth his apostles without gold 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.If you have two shirts in your closet, one belongs to you and the other to the man with no shirt.
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And today we celebrate...