Let the wasteland rejoice and bloom.
Let it bring forth flowers like the jonquil.
Joy comes forth even out of the tomb.
Even in this life we can be tranquil.

St Ambrose just wanted to resolve disputes with the Arian heresy.
Not yet baptised, he never wanted to be a priest let alone Bishop or saviour.
But forced by the people, he spoke with clarity and never carelessly.
He gave all his money to the poor.

Unafraid of power.
He forced the Emperor to do public penance.
He was not prepared to cower.
He thought nothing of his own convenience.

Before St Augustine met him he was unimpressed with Catholicism.
Perhaps we too should be more open to criticism.