The Fearless Faith of St. Ignatius of Antioch
Today is the Feast Day of St. Ignatius of Antioch - Bishop and Martyr
Embracing the Lion's Roar for the Love of Christ
In the vast tapestry of early Christian history, few figures shine as luminously as St. Ignatius of Antioch. His tenacious devotion to Christ and the Church stands as a profound testament to the transformative power of the Gospel.
As the Bishop of Antioch, Ignatius held a prestigious role in one of Christianity's foremost cities. He was not simply a distant figurehead, but a shepherd deeply engaged with his flock, guiding them through the treacherous waters of a world often hostile to the nascent faith. His letters, penned while enroute to Rome and his impending martyrdom, provide valuable insights into early Christian theology, ecclesiology, and the very essence of what it means to be a disciple of Christ.
But perhaps what most deeply resonates about St. Ignatius is his unyielding courage in the face of death. While many would see martyrdom as a daunting end, Ignatius perceived it as a divine opportunity—a chance to mirror Christ's passion and be "ground by the teeth of wild beasts" so that he might "become pure bread" for his Lord. Such a perspective can only emerge from a soul wholly consumed by love for God. For Ignatius, the prospect of uniting with Christ in death was not a cause for despair, but rather an occasion for joy.
This audacious courage was not born out of recklessness or a desire for self-aggrandizement. Rather, it was the fruit of an intimate relationship with Christ and a profound understanding of the Church's mission. Ignatius was unwaveringly convinced of the reality of the Resurrection, and he saw in his impending martyrdom a chance to bear witness to this most central tenet of the faith. He wanted the world to know, through his very flesh and blood, that Christ had indeed conquered death, and in Him, all believers have the hope of eternal life.
The legacy of St. Ignatius of Antioch is a clarion call to all Christians across the ages: to be steadfast in faith, to ardently love the Church, and to courageously witness to the truth of Christ, even if it demands the ultimate sacrifice. In an age that often values comfort and security, Ignatius's life challenges us to ask ourselves how far we are willing to go for the love of Christ and His Church.
In contemplating his life and sacrifice, let us be inspired to live our own faith journeys with a renewed zeal and fervor. For, in the words of St. Ignatius himself, "It is better to die for Christ than to rule over the ends of the earth."
From St Ignatius of Antioch's letter to the Romans
I am God's wheat and shall be ground by the teeth of wild animals
I am writing to all the churches to let it be known that I will gladly die for God if only you do not stand in my way. I plead with you: show me no untimely kindness. Let me be food for the wild beasts, for they are my way to God. I am God’s wheat and shall be ground by their teeth so that I may become Christ’s pure bread. Pray to Christ for me that the animals will be the means of making me a sacrificial victim for God.
No earthly pleasures, no kingdoms of this world can benefit me in any way. I prefer death in Christ Jesus to power over the farthest limits of the earth. He who died in place of us is the one object of my quest. He who rose for our sakes is my one desire.
The time for my birth is close at hand. Forgive me, my brothers. Do not stand in the way of my birth to real life; do not wish me stillborn. My desire is to belong to God. Do not, then, hand me back to the world. Do not try to tempt me with material things. Let me attain pure light. Only on my arrival there can I be fully a human being. Give me the privilege of imitating the passion of my God. If you have him in your heart, you will understand what I wish. You will sympathize with me because you will know what urges me on.
The prince of this world is determined to lay hold of me and to undermine my will which is intent on God. Let none of you here help him; instead show yourselves on my side, which is also God’s side. Do not talk about Jesus Christ as long as you love this world. Do not harbor envious thoughts. And supposing I should see you, if then I should beg you to intervene on my behalf, do not believe what I say. Believe instead what I am now writing to you. For though I am alive as I write to you, still my real desire is to die. My love of this life has been crucified, and there is no yearning in me for any earthly thing. Rather within me is the living water which says deep inside me: “Come to the Father.” I no longer take pleasure in perishable food or in the delights of this world. I want only God’s bread, which is the flesh of Jesus Christ, formed of the seed of David, and for drink I crave his blood, which is love that cannot perish.
I am no longer willing to live a merely human life, and you can bring about my wish if you will. Please, then, do me this favor, so that you in turn may meet with equal kindness. Put briefly, this is my request: believe what I am saying to you. Jesus Christ himself will make it clear to you that I am saying the truth. Only truth can come from that mouth by which the Father has truly spoken. Pray for me that I may obtain my desire. I have not written to you as a mere man would, but as one who knows the mind of God. If I am condemned to suffer, I will take it that you wish me well. If my case is postponed, I can only think that you wish me harm.
Today’s Mass Collect
Almighty ever-living God, who adorn the sacred body of your Church with the confessions of holy Martyrs, grant, we pray, that, just as the glorious passion of Saint Ignatius of Antioch, which we celebrate today, brought him eternal splendor, so it may be for us unending protection.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.