What Do You Know? - Marcellina

CA. 330–98

It can’t be easy to have a smart kid brother. Imagine the family rivalry as the young one takes every opportunity to prove himself smarter than his big sister. Ambrose was indeed a gifted boy, but he owed a great deal of his success to his wise sister, Marcellina. Tradition says that she made a special effort to teach him not to seek power through knowledge, but through virtue.

Their father worked in the government of the Roman Empire, which had just turned Christian under Constantine the Great. How would the once-persecuted church deal with its newfound freedom and power? Everyone was still figuring that out. Already there were major disputes between different types of Christians holding different beliefs about Jesus.

Ambrose excelled in his studies, following his father’s footsteps into public service. Perhaps it was Marcellina’s influence that helped him establish a reputation for wisdom and patience, not just intelligence. Once, he walked into an angry crowd of Christians fighting over who their next bishop would be. As he tried to make peace, someone shouted, “Ambrose for bishop!” and soon both sides took up the chant.

It was in this role of bishop that Ambrose fulfilled his sister’s expectations. He exerted great power over the church—preaching, composing hymns, writing theology, challenging the emperor when necessary, discussing philosophy with those of various viewpoints, even mentoring a young Augustine. He was hailed for his great knowledge, but even more for his integrity and virtue. He could have enjoyed a princely income when he took office, but he refused, choosing to live an ascetic life—except he did make sure to provide for his big sister, Marcellina.

His sister’s advice is valuable in any century. Where do you seek power? In your intelligence, your connections, your beauty, your money? Marcellina tells us all to discover our true strength by living the way Jesus taught us, in simplicity, integrity, and love.

While knowledge makes us feel important, it is love that strengthens the church. Anyone who claims to know all the answers doesn’t really know very much. But the person who loves God is the one whom God recognizes.

1 Corinthians 8:1-3