We ask for what reason our Lord was unwilling to state the time of His coming (cf. Mk. 13:31-32). If we ask it, we shall not find it is owing to ignorance, but to wisdom. For it was not to our advantage to know; in order that we being ignorant of the actual moments of judgment to come, might ever be as it were on guard, and set on the watch-tower of virtue, and so avoid the habits of sin; lest the day of the Lord should come upon us in the midst of our wickedness.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes that not knowing the exact time of judgment is a wise precaution that encourages constant moral vigilance.
Ambrose suggests that the Lord's choice to keep the timing of His coming a secret is not due to a lack of knowledge but rather a reflection of profound wisdom. By remaining unaware of this timing, individuals are prompted to live virtuously and remain alert, thereby avoiding the pitfalls of sin and the potential for being caught unprepared at the moment of judgment.
In practice
In a discussion about ethical living, one might quote this to emphasize the importance of being vigilant in one's actions.
The world has been created for everyone's use, but you few rich are trying to keep it up for yourselves. For not merely the possession of the earth, but the very sky, the air, and the sea are claimed for the use of the rich few... The earth belongs to all, not just to the rich.
Dice have their laws, which the courts of justice cannot undo.
Do not desert a friend in time of need, nor forsake him nor fail him, for friendship is the support of life. Let us then bear our burdens as the Apostle has taught (cf. Gal. 6:2): for he spoke to those whom the charity of the same one body had embraced together. If friends in prosperity help friends, why do they not also in times of adversity offer their support? Let us aid by giving counsel, let us offer our best endeavors, let us sympathize with them with all our heart.
... the Apostle Paul says that we are sealed in the Spirit (cf. Eph. 1:13); since we have in the Son the image of the Father, and in the Spirit the seal of the Son. Let us, then, sealed by this Trinity, take more diligent heed, lest either levity of character or the deceit of any unfaithfulness unseal the pledge which we have received in our hearts.
The likeness of Your Church, O Lord, is that woman who went behind and touched the hem of Your garment, saying within herself: 'If I do but touch His garment I shall be whole' (Mt. 9:21). So the Church confesses her wounds, but desires to be healed.
Except a man fear the Lord, he is unable to renounce sin.
Don't expect your genius to be discovered; do what you must do because it gives you joy. Don't expect your love to be accepted. Love because it justifies your life.
When you eventually see through the veils to how things really are, you will keep saying again and again, this is certainly not like we thought it was.
Begin at the beginning and go on till you come to the end; then stop.
The world is not so much in need of new thoughts as that when thought grows old and worn with usage it should, like current coin, be called in, and, from the mint of genius, reissued fresh and new.
We listen for guidance everywhere except from within.
If I start giving people what they like I'll turn into one of them and I don't want to be one of them I want to be one of me.
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