July 1, 2013

During his life on earth, The Lord Jesus called many to follow him.  Twelve men left everything behind to do so, but others who were called made conditions to following him, or would not follow him right away, making excuses.  St. Ambrose (d. 397), the wise and holy bishop of Milan, wrote a letter to a young woman who had taken a vow of virginity in order to follow Christ more perfectly.  In his letter, he warns her against consorting too often with people who were dedicated to the world.  Here is the opening to his letter:

" 'Hear, O daughter, and see!  Incline your hear, and forget your people and your father's house, for the king has desired your beauty, for he is The Lord your God, and they shall adore him' (Psalm 44, 11-12).  You say that you have devoted yourself as a bride, dedicated to God.  So why do you have to do with men of the world, or anyone else?  Why do you want to know them?  What do they follow, other than perdition?  If you seek chastity, you will not find it with them.  If you seek faith, who is the 'faithful' man among them to keep company with you?  If you seek Christ, you will not find him abiding among them.  I do not know what you are looking for, what kind of friendships or fairy-tales you might have with these people.  You have devoted your life to tearing down all the things of this world.  How now do you seek the world which you once renounced?  Do you wish to return to your vomit like a dog, or to the mire, as it were  (cf. 2 Peter 2, 22)?  As the Apostle says,  'If I build up the things which I destroyed, I make myself a liar' (Galatians 2, 18) . . . . What do you say,  O woman dedicated to God?  Why do you wish to please men?  What do you desire?  What do you seek?  If you seek God, he is with you.  If you seek men, you did not really dedicate yourself to God.  What are men?  Things of this world: 'The world and its desires pass away, but he who does that which is written, remains forever' (1 John 2, 17).  I do not know what it is you desire, if it is gold, silver, life, fine clothing.  But these would not make you pleasing with God.  God is not adored by them, but a heart that is contrite and humbled, does adore him (cf. Psalm 50, 9).  Why do you seek worldly men, of whom the holy Apostle Paul judged: 'The ones who have a mind for earthly things have their stomach as their God, and their glory is in earthly things.  But our conversation is in heaven' (Philippians 3, 19)?  If our conversation is in heaven, then we ought to seek what is above, 'where Christ is, and not what is on the earth' (Colossians 3, 1).  I ask you, Sister, who are these men of this world?  You should not seek men who are your spiritual brothers, but you even seek carnal men, who will murmur if they are not satisfied.  You have cast your pearls before swine who have trample them and turn around and strike at you.  Have you not heard, 'Beware of dogs, beware of evil-doers' (Philippians 3, 2)?  Who are these men?  Men of this world who do not follow in the footsteps of Christ.  I ask you, what do they show you?  Tell me.  Chastity, which they do not have themselves?  What?  Faith, which they do not find?  Doctrine, which they do not follow, unless it is the diabolical wisdom of this world?  Fasting, which they hate?  Abstinence, which they condemn?  Humility, which they crush?  Sobriety, which they do not trouble themselves about?  A sincere mind, which they do not have, but only a duplicitous one?  Modesty, which they reject from themselves?  I do not know what you want so badly with them."

In his conclusion, St. Ambrose writes to her:

"See then, and avoid these men, and I will call you my sister and lady.  'Enter into your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father' (Matthew 6, 6), and he will give you a good mind and understanding so that you may know whom to follow and whom to avoid, for there are many who present themselves as something they are not, but are lying.  You do not know what will happen to your soul at their hands.  Do not let them lead you as a captive, or as a cow that is led to slaughter, or as a dog that is tied . . . . Pray without ceasing.  Do not be seen easily on the streets.  Fight the good fight.  Run quickly, that you may grasp, so that you may be grasped, by Christ (cf. Philippians 3, 12)."