God is not accustomed to refusing a good gift to those who ask

Hear now the words of Saint Ambrose, the bishop of Milan and teacher of Augustine, who declared: “God is not accustomed to refusing a good gift to those who ask for one. Since he is good, and especially to those who are faithful to him, let us hold fast to him with all our soul, our heart, our strength, and so enjoy his light and see his glory and possess the grace of supernatural joy.” These are not the idle musings of a scholar, but the cry of a shepherd who beheld the majesty of God’s generosity and urged his flock never to let go of it. His words, though spoken centuries ago, remain as a fountain of courage and consolation for all who seek the face of the divine.

When Ambrose says that God is not accustomed to refusing a good gift, he reminds us that the nature of God is goodness itself. Unlike mortals, who often give sparingly, reluctantly, or with mixed motives, God delights in generosity. He withholds not to punish, but to teach, and when we ask in faith, he pours forth blessings—sometimes seen, sometimes unseen. The good gift is not always what we desire in the moment, but always what will nourish our souls, draw us closer to him, and prepare us for eternity.

Yet Ambrose does not speak to all indiscriminately; he addresses especially those who are faithful. Faithfulness is the key that opens the treasury of heaven. To be faithful is to endure trials, to keep trust when the night is long, to love God even when his face seems hidden. Such faith anchors the soul in divine goodness, ensuring that when we ask, we do not ask with doubt or selfishness, but with hearts aligned to his will. Then the good gifts of God become radiant in our lives—wisdom, peace, courage, and the quiet joy that transcends earthly comfort.

History gives witness to this truth. Consider the life of Saint Monica, the mother of Augustine. For years she prayed with tears for the conversion of her wayward son. The world might have called her prayers unanswered, but she held fast with all her soul, heart, and strength. In time, Augustine not only turned to God but became one of the greatest teachers of the Church. The good gift was not denied—it was delayed until the fullness of its glory could be revealed. Monica’s faithfulness became the channel through which God’s light burst forth.

Ambrose himself, who baptized Augustine, embodied these words. In a time when emperors sought to control the Church, he stood firm, declaring that even rulers must bow before God’s authority. His courage, his strength, and his devotion allowed the Church to hold fast in dangerous times. Ambrose knew that holding fast to God does not mean escape from trial, but the power to endure it with supernatural joy, knowing that light and glory lie beyond the present struggle.

The deeper meaning, then, is this: our part is to hold fast—with all the soul, with all the heart, with all the strength. God’s part is to give, and he gives abundantly. But only those who cling to him in faith can truly receive his gifts, for their hands are not clenched with fear, but open in trust. The light Ambrose speaks of is the vision of God’s truth shining in the heart; the glory is the eternal majesty revealed to those who endure; the joy is the grace that lifts us above earthly sorrow into the embrace of divine love.

The lesson for us, O listener, is plain: do not lose heart in prayer. Do not think God deaf to your petitions. Ask boldly for good gifts, trusting that the Father of light delights to give them. But hold fast to him in faithfulness, even when answers tarry. Practical steps are these: pray daily with sincerity; measure your requests by the goodness of God, not by passing desire; give thanks in advance for blessings unseen; and when trials come, do not loosen your grip on him who alone is your strength.

So let Saint Ambrose’s words endure as a living flame: “Let us hold fast to him with all our soul, our heart, our strength, and so enjoy his light and see his glory and possess the grace of supernatural joy.” This is the inheritance of the faithful, the crown for those who endure, and the eternal promise that no prayer offered in trust will ever be forgotten.