Memorial of St.
Ignatius of Antioch, bishop and martyr
(Romans 3:21-30; Luke 11:47-54)
St. Ignatius of Antioch plays a pivotal role in Church
history. He was born in apostolic times
and may have been a disciple of John.
There is also a legend that he was consecrated a bishop by Saints Peter and
Paul. As bishop, he was captured during
the reign of the emperor Trajan and sent to Rome for execution. On the journey he dictated seven letters
which feature a developed theology of Church.
He also expresses an ardent desire to give his life as a martyr. Upon arrival in Rome he was not disappointed. He was sent directly to the hungry lions in the
amphitheater.
Today’s gospel anticipates martyrdom of men like Antioch. Jesus is castigating the Pharisees and
scholars of the law for hypocrisy. He
links the persecution of the prophets of the Old Testament with the martyrdom
of apostles in the New. As a bishop,
Ignatius was a successor to the apostles and certainly shared their fate.
The testimony which martyrs have given should support our
faith. They do not deny Christ as Lord even
to save their lives. We can arrest our
doubts which arise in this secular age. It
is true that Jesus arose from the dead. Attaching
ourselves to him by faith, as Paul urges in today’s reading, we share in his eternal
life.
