The Way of Christian perfection in the works St. Ambrose of Milan

Abstract

St.Ambrose, the bishop of Milan, was deeply concerned about the proper spiritual and social development of Christians. He reminded the faithful that the main aim of every human beingis to reach perfection.He put more emphasis on practice than theory in his teaching.One of the main forms of his pastoral activities was writing letters, each with a particular message,as St. Ambrose was awarethat he could successfully influence other people's lives in this way. Asthe preserved texts show,this form of ministry was an invaluable means of spreading the truths of faith and shaping propersocial attitudes of Christians at that time. St Ambrose emphasized the fundamental role of the Scripture and prayer, which supportman’s right formationon the way of Christian perfection. Healso indicated that aconscious rejection of evil and struggle against vices and temptations areessential in the transformation.The Bishop of Milan stressed that although man isfree to choose, he should not postpone the decision to change  his life. He believed thatthe way of Christian perfection was indispensable to achieve eternal happiness.