Memorial of Saint
Ignatius of Antioch, bishop
(Ephesians 2:1-10; Luke 12:13-21)
The word rich
makes one think of money. People speak
of Warren Buffet as being the richest American.
But the word has ambivalent roots.
It is derived from a Middle English word meaning noble or powerful. It can be said that St. Ignatius of Antioch
was rich in faith. He strongly believed
that God would reward him eternal life if he died giving testimony to Christ. When he was arrested and sentenced to death, he
pleaded with supporters not to intercede for him so that he might be
martyred. In today’s readings another
kind of richness is extolled.
The Letter to the Ephesians speaks of God as so “rich in
mercy” that He gave Christians a new start in life. Through Christ they are redeemed from sinful
ways so that they might practice virtue.
In the gospel Jesus specifies how his followers are to live. He exhorts his listeners to be “rich in what
matters to God.” He wants them to show
mercy to those in great need. He has in
mind especially using one’s wealth to assist the poor.
We strive to have enough physical riches to live at least
securely if not comfortably. We are
being encouraged to share some of our physical riches so that we may become rich
in mercy as well. When we become like
God, we too can be confident of being awarded eternal life.
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