The Circumcision of Christ [January 1] - Ambrose Homily

ALMIGHTY God, who madest thy blessed Son to be circumcised, and obedient to the law for man; Grant us the true circumcision of the Spirit; that, our hearts, and all our members, being mortified from all worldly and carnal lusts, we may in all things obey thy blessed will; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Scripture: Philippians ii. 9. St. Luke ii. 15

Ancient Homily by Bishop Ambrose :
And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the Child, his Name was called JESUS: This is the Child of whom it is said: Unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: or again: Made under the Law to redeem them that were under the Law: or again: To present him to the Lord. .....

see the rest of the homily and the readings and art herehttp://www.orderofcenturions.org/documents/circumcision.html

NOTE:
My many thanks to ++Paul, the Order's Praefectus Castrorum, whose gift of "The Anglican Breviary" made the publication of this ancient homily possible. I hope to use the Breviary to provide you with many ancient homilies such as Centurions certainly heard in their day.

Ancient homilies will be provided with Sunday and Holy Day collects, lessons, and art -- verbatim. The reader should place himself mentally in the time the homilies were written and consider the attitudes and beliefs of the Fathers of the Early Church to more fully appreciate their writings. I hope to provide a biographical link to for each homily.

May you have a blessed and happy New Year!

Mark+

Visit the Order at www.OrderofCenturions.org