God’s ways are not our ways—and that’s good news! 

Ambrose was a highly educated young man who showed great promise. He spent his early years in public service in Italy, eventually becoming Governor of Liguria and Emilia. A short time into his rule, the bishop of Milan died. Because he feared a major uprising, Ambrose attended the election to keep the peace. He gave an address to the crowds, and it was so inspiring that people started chanting for him to become bishop. 

The only problem? Ambrose wasn’t even baptized! Ambrose ran away from the crowds, but they didn’t give up. Within the next week, Ambrose was baptized, ordained and duly consecrated bishop of Milan. As overwhelming as his new responsibilities as bishop must have been, he focused on creating Holy Moments of charity and kindness for the poor. He was so well-loved by the people that he was sometimes even more politically powerful than the emperor. 

Who would have guessed that Ambrose would become one of the first doctors of the Church…and one of the most powerful Catholic saints of all time? Definitely not Ambrose himself!

In Isaiah we read: “Your thoughts are not my thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, declares the Lord” (Isaiah 55:8). We are also repeatedly reminded in the Scriptures that God’s ways and man’s ways have very different outcomes.

The ways of God challenge our priorities. They remind us what matters most and what matters least. And make no mistake, it is not easy to walk in these ways. But the fruits of his ways are abundant. He will replace your confusion with clarity and wisdom, he will replace your anxiety with peace, and he will fill you with gratitude and joy even in the midst of great difficulty.

God is with us, even when we think he is not. God is in control, even when it appears that those who hate him are in control. And God is at work in our lives, even when it appears that everything is falling apart. God has a different way of doing things—a better Way.

Are you thriving or just surviving? If you’re not thriving, why not? Perhaps it is time to abandon man’s ways and embrace God’s. Sometimes people ask, “How will I know when I am embracing

God’s ways more?” It’s a great question. Here is an easy litmus test: when you become less self-focused and more focused on others.



Feast Day: December 7

Feast Day Shared By: Saint John the Silent,  Saint Mary Joseph Rosello, and Saint Sabino of Spoleto

Patron Saint of: Beekeepers, Bees, Bakers, Bishops, Candlemakers, Chandlers, Domestic Animals, Geese, Schoolchildren, Stone Masons, Students, and Wax Melters

Symbols: A Beehive