Tuesday prior to Advent 3

 

[1]

Psalm 85—The antiphon, v. 2, proclaims You forgave the iniquity of your people; you covered all their sin. This is the reason that we sinners can rejoice; in Christ, God has forgiven all our sin. The psalm reflects the fact that, even after we are forgiven, we again fall into sin must seek forgiveness. Because of the steadfast love of the Lord, He indeed revives us again, that we may rejoice in Him.

Today we remember Ambrose was ordained a priest and consecrated a bishop on Dec. 7. He wrote much on the Scriptures and Fathers, preached a homily every Sunday, resisted the interference of the secular powers with the rights of the Church, opposed the heretics, and was instrumental in bringing about the conversion of Augustine. He composed many hymns, promoted sacred chant, and took a great interest in the Liturgy.

Collect for Psalm 85: God of love and faithfulness, you so loved the world that you gave your only Son to be our Savior. Help us to receive him as both Lord and brother and freely celebrate him as our gracious Redeemer now and forever.[2] Amen.

 Collect for Ambrose of Milan –O God, who made the Bishop Ambrose a teacher of the faith and a model of apostolic courage, raise up in your Church men after Your own heart to govern her with courage and wisdom. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.[3] -07 December 2021

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[1] John in Prison, copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

[2] Collect for Psalm 85, For All the Saints, A prayer book For and By the Church, Vol. I © 1994 The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY

[3] Collect for Ambrose, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis